Information for injured workers about your claim and COVID-19

If I contract COVID-19 at work will I have an entitlement to compensation?

You may be entitled to workers compensation if you contract COVID-19 at work.

Under legislation, a disease such as COVID19 suffered by a worker would be regarded as being due to the nature of employment, if that employment gave rise to a significantly greater risk of the worker contracting the disease. Examples include where employment involves duties that include interaction with people who have contracted the virus.

WorkSafe is committed to ensuring all workers who contract COVID19 in the workplace receive timely and appropriate supports.

If you are lodging a claim for COVID-19, please provide details of the exposure to the virus and the link to employment.

If I sustain an injury as a result of the COVID vaccination will I have entitlement to compensation?

You may be entitled to workers compensation if you sustain an injury due to the COVID vaccine and the injury occurred out of or in the course of employment.

The vaccine may be considered to have occurred out of or in the course of employment if you are a front line worker or work in an industry where your employer imposes the vaccine, and your employer has:

• recommended or organised the vaccination onsite or at another location; or 
• subsidized the vaccination

Under legislation, only a significant reaction to the vaccine may be considered an injury. More significant reactions could include severe fever, blood clots, allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), seizure, or stroke.

You will not be entitled to compensation if you suffer only mild symptoms due to the vaccine, such as feeling tired, headache, nausea, dizziness, or redness where the injection was given.

I returned to work following an injury but my employer closed due to COVID-19. What happens to my weekly payments?

Workers who continue to have an incapacity for work and have not had their weekly payments terminated, are eligible to receive weekly compensation when an employer withdraws suitable duties.

If you were working alternative or modified duties prior to your employer shutting down, you may have an entitlement to weekly compensation.

How can I access treatment if I'm required to self-isolate or am not able to attend an appointment because of COVID-19?

Supporting you in your recovery is our priority.

WorkSafe introduced temporary arrangements that will allow medical practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, exercise physiologists, psychologists and accredited mental health social workers to deliver services via telehealth. These arrangements will be in place until further notice.

Telehealth services are telephone or video medical consultations with your medical practitioner in place of face-to-face consultations.

How do I get a certificate of capacity if I am required to self-isolate or am not able to attend an appointment because of COVID-19?

You should be able to obtain a valid Certificate of Capacity through telehealth

Your Certificate of Capacity can be valid for a maximum of 28 days, unless there are special reasons for the certificate to cover a longer period.

Should I attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) appointment if I am unwell?

If you or a member of your household has experienced recent symptoms of cold or flu and you have an upcoming appointment, please contact your agent immediately to discuss your situation and the options available to you. You should also follow the advice of the Australian Government Department of Health and the Victorian Department of Health (DH) regarding any cold and flu symptoms you experience.

Can I attend my IME appointment via telehealth?

Yes - generally. WorkSafe have introduced temporary item codes to allow IMEs to deliver services via telehealth.

If you have been asked to attend an IME and are unsure of the method or would like to request a telehealth IME please contact your agent. There may be some examinations that cannot be completed via telehealth – e.g. impairment benefit range of motion or hearing loss etc.

Where can I find further information about COVID-19?

Further information can be found on the Victorian Government Department of Health and coronavirus.vic.gov.au websites.