The NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has taken action to ensure employers are not operating without workers’ compensation cover.

SIRA says 1627 businesses purchased cover following investigations last quarter, reflecting almost $3.2 million in additional premium raised and 5236 more employees being covered.

It issued four penalty notices for non-insurance, with each business fined a total of $750 and made referrals to Revenue NSW to start recovery action for $86,306 of avoided premiums.

The latest workers’ compensation regulation bulletin says 39 visits were made to employers with injured staff at risk of not returning to work, and 30 improvement notices were issued.

Some 29 annual reviews of self-insurers were also completed, while SIRA continued monitoring of icare’s performance and that of its scheme agents.

SIRA issued 15 notices to insurers, claimants and providers to request information related to allegations of fraud and potential legislation breaches.

The regulator also says in its latest bulletin that, following a high level of interest, it has extended its consultation on a new standard for managing claims for psychological injury.

Feedback can now be provided until November 6.