The Claims Process For Workers

This page outlines the steps you need to take if you are injured at work and need to make a WorkSafe compensation claim.

1. Seek medical treatment

The most important thing is getting appropriate medical treatment from your treating health practitioner.

You will be required to get a WorkSafe medical certificate if you are going to make a claim.

2. Make a record of your injury

You must notify your employer of your injury. Your employer must keep a Register of Injuries at your workplace. This can be filled in by you, or someone on your behalf, and should be done within 30 days of the injury. 

The register of injuries can be a diary, exercise book or electronic file where all the injury information is recorded.

If you don’t notify your employer of your injury you may not be entitled to compensation.

3. Get a medical certificate

If you can’t do your normal job and want to claim weekly payments, you should see a treating health practitioner who can provide a WorkSafe medical certificate. The certificate needs to describe your injury, your anticipated time off work and possible alternative duties.

4. If a motor vehicle was involved

If your injury is the result of a motor vehicle accident, you must also report the accident to the police.

5. Complete a claim form

If you need medical treatment or time off work as a result of your injury, you will need to complete a claim form.

If you wish to claim other benefits, more information is available on:

6. Give your employer the claim form as soon as you can

i. Sign your claim form

ii. Attach the medical certificate (if claiming weekly payments)

iii. Give them to your employer as soon as you can.

The sooner you submit the claim the sooner a decision can be made on whether you are eligible for compensation.

Your employer can not refuse your WorkSafe claim and they can not dismiss you for making one.

If you’ve left your job

If you lodge a claim after leaving your job, you must explain in writing why you could not make the claim while you were still employed.

Independent medical examinations

You may be asked to have an independent medical examination as part of the claims process.  These are used to help your WorkSafe Agent understand and assess your injury to ensure you receive the appropriate entitlements and treatment.

Municipal Councillors

A Municipal Councillor injured while carrying out duties as a councillor may now be able to claim compensation.