Workers’ compensation

If you experience a work-related injury, workers’ compensation can provide weekly payments to cover your living expenses while you are unable to work. Workers’ compensation can also cover reasonable medical costs and expenses to assist you in safely returning to work.

By law, workers’ compensation insurance is something employers are responsible for.

Your responsibilities

As an employee, you have responsibilities in relation to workplace safety. These include:

  • helping provide a safe workplace
  • reporting possible causes of workplace accidents and injuries
  • seeking medical attention if you are injured
  • notifying your employer of the details of an injury
  • participating in the activities of your injury management plan.

Accidents and injuries

If you are injured at work, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Record the details of your injury. This may be done by yourself or someone acting on your behalf. Seek medical treatment from a doctor or someone qualified in first aid.

For more information on workers’ compensation

If you have any questions about workers’ compensation, or you need other help, ask your employer or contact Safe Work Australia.

Safe Work Australia develops national policy for work health and safety and workers’ compensation. Check the Safe Work Australia website for more information on workers’ compensation, including contact details for state and territory workers’ compensation authorities.

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