How to make a claim for
Workers compensation, government employees
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 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.
The Insurance Commission often needs to collect, use and disclose personal information while assessing and managing your workers compensation claim.
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.
Stage One
Discuss the matter with your employer who may be able to resolve it immediately or take up the matter with us on your behalf.
Stage Two
Contact the claims officer assigned to your claim, who may be able to resolve the matter directly or refer it to our internal dispute resolution process for review. We will endeavour to respond to disputes within three working days of lodgement
We may request further information (e.g. new medical or factual evidence) to review the dispute. In this case we will endeavour to respond within 10 days of receipt of the additional information.
Stage Three
You may refer the matter to the WorkCover WA’s Workers Compensation Conciliation Service. Conciliation may occur where:
- the party is not prepared or able to provide additional information for reconsideration; and
- further information submitted has been reviewed; however, subsequent discussion has failed to resolve the dispute.
If you are legally represented, we will provide the representative with copies of any correspondence that is sent to you.
Page Last Updated 01 Jul 2024