what-happens-when-worker-injured

Injured at work? This is what you need to do 1. Get first aid or emergency medical treatment straight away. 2. If you have medical bills or need time off work ask your doctor for a workers’ compensation medical certificate. Keep one copy for yourself, one for your employer and one for your insurer. 3. Tell your employer so they can take steps to stop it happening again. Fill out an accident or incident report and keep a copy for your records. 4. Fill out an application for compensation (claim form) and get the claims process started. 5. Some doctors will lodge your claim for you with WorkCover Queensland. If your doctor has not lodged your claim you can lodge it in any of the following ways: phone WorkCover Queensland 1300 362 128 lodge it online at www.workcoverqld.com.au or fax to 1300 651 387 complete an application for compensation form and send it with a copy of the workers’ compensation medical certificate to WorkCover Queensland at GPO Box 2459, Brisbane, Qld, 4001 if your employer is self insured, lodge the claim with them. 6. You must be a ‘worker’ under the Act who has suffered an injury or illness related to your work to be eligible for workers’ compensation. Usually if you are an employee (whether casual, part time or full time) you are covered. If you are a sub-contractor you may be covered \- contact the insurer to find out. 7. Focus on getting back to work and what you can do. If you have concerns about returning to work talk with your doctor and employer as soon as possible. Your rights and responsibilities You have a responsibility to: report your injury or illness and get treatment as soon as possible lodge a claim if you want to be compensated for wages lost and medical expenses be actively involved in your treatment and rehabilitation do suitable duties within restrictions set by your doctor until you can resume your normal duties attend medical appointments (for assessment only) arranged for you by your insurer. You have a right to: make a claim for compensation choose your own treating doctor have all personal information kept confidential have a representative for any meeting to talk about your claim have an interpreter or advocate be consulted about your rehabilitation and get a copy of your suitable duties plan get advice before signing anything. You can’t be dismissed for making a workers’ compensation claim. You can’t be dismissed within 12 months after having an injury solely because you are unfit for employment because of the injury. Your entitlement to compensation stops when your condition has reached maximum medical improvement regardless of whether you have returned to work or not. Where can you go for more information? For claims enquiries contact WorkCover Queensland on 1300 362 128 or contact your employer if they are self insured. If you disagree with certain decisions made by an insurer you can apply in writing to the Workers’ Compensation Regulator for a review of them. Contact the Workers’ Compensation Regulator Review Unit on 1300 739 021 for advice. # # # # Claims process flow chart