If you are injured at work
These are the first steps to take if you have a work-related injury or illness.
Injuries don’t always happen suddenly. Sometimes they develop over time, or something makes them worse. If you become injured or ill because of work, it’s important to take some steps as soon as you become aware.
Getting treatment and support quickly can help you recover faster and get back to work.
Here are the steps to follow.
1. Get treatment
The first step is to get medical treatment. This might be with your usual doctor, or you might need to go to the hospital to get an acute injury treated.
Medical certificate
If you can’t work for a while or need work adjustments while you recover, your treating doctor can provide a medical certificate.
Your medical certificate should include:
- your diagnosis and its relation to your work
- any pre-existing conditions that affect the injury or illness
- proposed treatment
- your capacity for work while being treated.
You will need a medical certificate if you decide to make a workers’ compensation claim.
Comcare’s certificate of capacity (PDF 229.94 KB) is a good template, but you can provide any medical certificate with the right information from your doctor or qualified treatment provider.
2. Report the injury or illness to your employer
You should report your injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible. Talk with your manager and follow your employer’s procedure for reporting.
You can also ask your employer what support they can give you straight away. For example, they may have an early intervention program that provides supports and services to help you get back to work. Using early intervention programs does not affect your right to claim workers’ compensation.
3. Consider making a workers’ compensation claim
If you are ill or injured because of your work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation can cover the costs of things like treatments, income support and other support services.
If you meet the claim assessment criteria, you can claim workers’ compensation for a physical or psychological injury or illness, or for an aggravation of an existing injury or illness.
To receive workers’ compensation, you will need to submit a claim. The claim is assessed to determine if you are eligible for compensation. If your initial claim is accepted, you can then make claims for different supports and benefits such as medical treatment or income support payments.
It can be helpful to get support and advice when you decide about making a claim. You could talk to a family member, a union representative or your doctor.
If you decide to make a claim, let your employer know. They’ll be able to tell you what the claims process is in your workplace.