Workers' Compensation Explained: What to do if you get injured on the job and how to file a claim.
No matter your age, income or job we all have access to support if we’re injured at work.
WorkCover is the insurance payment scheme made to workers who are injured at work or become injured or ill due to their work. In most cases, if your WorkCover claim is approved you will be paid weekly payments in the same way you would from your employer.
Who can access WorkCover?
Everyone - as long as you are a legal employee in Victoria you have access to WorkCover. Those working permanent, casual, full time, part time or with multiple jobs all have access to WorkCover.
WorkCover is a no fault scheme so even if you made a mistake at work that resulted in an injury you can still access WorkCover.
What does WorkCover cover?
- Replacement of lost income (the wages you missed due to your injury)
- Medical and rehabilitation treatment costs (whilst you recover from your injury)
- Legal costs
- Lump sum compensation in the event of a serious injury
What should I do if I am injured at work?
- Seek medical treatment from your preferred medical practitioner as soon as possible.
- Notify your employer as soon as possible that you've been injured at work. Complete the injury register at your workplace or notify your employer in writing. You need to notify your employer within 30 days otherwise you may not be entitled to compensation. If a motor vehicle is involved in your injury, report it to the police. Without this your claim may not be valid.
- See your doctor to get a WorkSafe certificate of capacity (medical certificate). You'll need to upload a copy of the certificate of capacity when you fill out the WorkCover application. Make sure that all of the injuries/conditions you're claiming for are listed on the certificate of capacity.
- Complete questions 1-6 in part A of the WorkCover claim form and submit it to your employer in myWorkSafe (your WorkSafe online account).
- Your employer will be sent a form online so they can complete part B. After your employer completes part B, your claim will be sent to WorkSafe to be assessed.
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health and you can also make a WorkCover claim for mental injury.
To be eligible for WorkCover, a mental injury has to:
- Cause significant behavioural, cognitive or psychological adverse effects
- Have been diagnosed by a medical practitioner using the latest version of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- Be predominantly caused by employment
Your WorkCover claim can also cover a pre-existing condition such as an injury that has been aggravated by a pre-existing condition or if you’ve experienced a return of a previous injury. You can still access WorkCover if your pre-existing injury did not occur at your current employment.
If you have any questions about WorkCover or if you’re eligible for a claim contact your union or The Young Workers Centre!