The NSW WorkCover scheme is planning to offer refunds to employers for the costs of fraudulent workers’ compensation claims made during the past five years.

The move has been outlined in a discussion paper and aims to address business concerns about rules that force them to pay higher premiums even when workers’ claims for injury are fraudulent.

Last year WorkCover NSW carried out 19 successful fraud prosecutions with 272 fraud matters investigated.

The discussion paper will recommend more small to medium-sized businesses can be protected from premium increases, even if they have genuine claims made against them.

It is expected the refunds will be made in June.