01 / The meaning
What it means.
The term describes who was harmed rather than proving who is responsible. Liability depends on facts and applicable law, while insurance also depends on the policy’s definition of injury and its exclusions. Employees, volunteers, contractors and labour-hire workers need careful classification because the relevant obligations and cover can differ. A person’s presence at the premises does not settle that classification.
Public liability may be relevant to certain injury allegations, while work-related employee injury, professional treatment and registered motor vehicle incidents can involve different policies or schemes. Record an incident promptly, support immediate safety needs and preserve evidence. Giving assistance does not require the business to speculate about legal fault. Refer demands and legal documents through the agreed claims process and check deadlines.
02 / Put it in context
A practical example.
Hypothetical example: a courier visiting a warehouse falls near a loading area and later alleges injury. The business records the circumstances, identifies the courier’s role and preserves inspection records. The claim is assessed without assuming either automatic liability or automatic payment.
This example illustrates the term. It does not predict a claim outcome.
03 / Read the detail
What to check.
- Clarify whether the injured person is a customer, worker, volunteer or contractor.
- Check the policy’s injury definition and relevant employee or professional exclusions.
- Preserve incident reports, witness details and inspection or maintenance evidence.
04 / Start a useful conversation
A question for your broker.
Who was injured, what relationship did they have with the business, and which liability or compensation arrangements need review?
05 / Connect the terms
Keep the meaning in context.
06 / Apply it to your business
Related insurance guides.
Further reading
Read the source guidance alongside the relevant policy wording.
General information only. This does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you. Cover is subject to insurer acceptance and the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Read the Financial Services Guide and the relevant PDS (where applicable) and/or policy wording before deciding.
Let’s start with your business
A clearer conversation
about your insurance.
Tell us what you do, what has changed and what you need to understand.