Government employee workers compensation

How to make a claim for

Workers compensation, government employees

INJURED AT WORK?

MAKE A CLAIM

When you advise your employer of your injury, they can advise you how to lodge a workers compensation claim; some agencies can lodge online through our online system (eClaims).

Alternatively they will advise you to complete a Workers Compensation Claim Form as soon as possible after the accident or injury has occurred. Submit the form to the appropriate person at your agency, along with a First Certificate of Capacity completed and signed by a medical practitioner.

The agency then completes an Employer's Report Form and the employer details on the Workers Compensation Claim Form.  Both forms should be submitted to us by the agency, within three days of receipt from the injured worker.  Other Certificates of Capacity, accounts and witness statements (where applicable) should also be included.

We will assess and make a decision on liability under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 and notify the employee and employer of the decision within 14 days of the employer submitting the claim to us.

IF YOUR INJURY RECURS

If you have an approved claim and experience a return of symptoms that cause incapacity and/or require additional treatment after a period of recovery from the original injury, you should:

• report the recurrence immediately to your agency representative;
• provide a current Certificate of Capacity from a medical practitioner; and
• complete a Recurrence of Injury Form and submit it to your employer.

The agency then completes an Employer's Report Form and the employer details on the Recurrence of Injury Form.  Both forms should be submitted to us by the agency, within three days of receipt from the injured worker.  Certificates of Capacity, accounts and witness statements (where applicable) should also be included.

We will review the claim and information provided to determine liability.

WHAT IS COVERED

We provide workers compensation cover for WA Government agencies and their employees for injuries sustained in the workplace. All employees are covered at work in their normal activities, including during mandated break times.
Employees carrying out authorised duties for their employer at a location other than their usual workplace will be covered for workers compensation. This cover extends to employee attendance at locations outside their normal workplace such as seminars, training programs, team building activities, school camps and for work while engaged in regional, domestic and international travel.

Traveling to and from work

In some circumstances, employees will also be covered for injuries sustained while travelling to and from these alternative locations as long as there are no substantial deviations or interruptions in the journey.  Generally, employees are not covered while travelling between home and work. Under certain circumstances, workers compensation cover may apply. If you are a member of a union, you may also be covered for your journey through them.

You may be eligible for the costs of these items to be covered:

• Time lost from work due to your injury, in the form of income compensation;
• Prescribed medical treatment to support your recovery;
• Cost of travel for injury related medical appointments;
• Support from an Approved Workplace Rehabilitation Provider to assist with your return to work; and
• Compensation for permanent impairment.

The Insurance Commission often needs to collect, use and disclose personal information while assessing and managing your workers compensation claim.

INFORMATION ON PAYMENTS AND INJURY MANAGEMENT

Workers Compensation - What to Expect Brochure

WorkCover WA Guide for Workers

Disputes

The vast majority of workers compensation claims progress to the satisfaction of all parties involved, including the injured worker, however, you may disagree with a claims decision made by us. When this occurs you are entitled to seek resolution through the following three stage dispute resolution process.