When a workplace injury occurs the employer must:
Provide the injured worker with:
- first aid and/or transport to medical treatment
- the name of the employer’s Scheme Agent or insurer
- the company name and contact details of the employer
- a workers compensation claim form (if requested by the worker).
Keep a register of injuries
The register of injuries must be readily accessible in the workplace and the employer must ensure all details of the injury are recorded in the register.
Notify WorkCover immediately on 13 10 50 of serious incidents involving injury or illness.
A serious incident requiring notification can include:
- a fatality
- an injury or illness, such as when a person:
- has a limb amputated
- is placed on a life support system
- loses consciousness
- is trapped in machinery or a confined space
- has serious burns.
Refer to clause 344 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 for the full list of serious incidents.
Notify the Scheme Agent or insurer within 48 hours of becoming aware of an injury.
Provide the Scheme Agent or insurer with the:
- date and description of injury, and details of how it happened
- name, address, contact telephone number and date of birth of the injured worker
- name and address of the company
- name of the treating doctor and contact telephone number, or name of the hospital if the worker is hospitalised
- name and contact details of the person making the initial notification, and their relationship to the worker or employer
- date of consultation with treating doctor and a diagnosis
- workers capacity to return to work and expected return to work date
- details of any time off work
- worker’s wage details.
Note: Employers may avoid paying a claims excess if there is an injury by notifying their Scheme Agent or insurer within the required timeframes.
If provided by the worker, forward to the Scheme Agent or insurer:
- a WorkCover medical certificate within seven days
- ongoing medical certificates, receipts and accounts for medical or other treatment, within seven days.
Provide suitable duties
- provide suitable duties for the injured worker wherever possible and any assistance that will help the worker to recover and return to work quickly
- notify your Scheme Agent or insurer if unable to provide suitable duties for the injured worker
- cooperate and participate in the establishment of injury management and return to work plans for the injured worker.
View further information on injury management and benefits and entitlements or call 13 10 50.