Claims Process - Employer
The following checklist outlines your basic legal responsibilities as well as providing you with some practical information on managing a workplace injury.
1. Record the injury or illness in your Register of Injuries
Ensure the injury or illness is recorded in your workplace Register of Injuries. This is required by law. If required the worker may visit a doctor. The doctor may call you to advise of possible return to work/alternative duties options.
2. Stay in touch with the injured worker
It is also advisable that you maintain contact with the injured worker as it can be beneficial to their recovery to feel that they have not been forgotten.
3. Lodge claims as soon as you can
Upon receiving a completed Worker's Injury Claim Form or Dependant’s Claim for Compensation, you must complete the Employer Lodgement Details section 7 of the form and acknowledge receipt of the claim for compensation in writing as soon as reasonably practicable.
You must complete an Employer Injury Claim Report and forward the Worker’s Injury Claim Form or Dependant’s Claim for Compensation, the Employer Injury Claim Report and other relevant documents such as Certificate(s) of Capacity to your WorkSafe agent within 10 days if:
- medical expenses are likely to exceed $546*;
- any time off work is required.
If the claim is for medical services only and is not likely to exceed $546*, the claim can be submitted at no greater than 3 month intervals. However, the sooner the claim is lodged, the sooner that activity can commence on getting the worker back to active duty.
4. Your liability
If you accept a claim you are liable for the first 10 days lost from work that the injured worker misses and also the first $546* of medical services, unless you have elected the Excess Buyout option.
If you are not accepting liability at this point, you do not have to pay anything at this stage. Simply forward the claim forms and certificate/s to your WorkSafe agent, more on disputing liability
5. For death or serious injuries
For death or a specified serious injury you are also required to notify WorkSafe on 13 23 60.
What incidents require notification?
More Information
• view the publication "What to do if worker is injured, A guide for employers"
• your WorkSafe Agent
• WorkSafe Advisory Service on (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089.
