Having a livelihood is a blessing and a privilege to have. But the last thing anyone wants to get from their workplace is getting harmed or injured. Aside from the pain caused by it, a workplace injury or illness can be a disruptive and stressful experience to handle.
On top of your recovery, you might also be concerned about lost wages and medical bills. Thankfully, WorkCover insurance exists to provide financial support and medical treatment for eligible workers in New South Wales (NSW) who are injured or become ill due to their work. But how do you claim the benefits of your WorkCover?
This blog gives you an overview of the WorkCover claim process and the benefits you might be entitled to.
WorkCover NSW is a statutory authority in New South Wales that oversees workplace safety, injury management, and workers’ compensation. The workers’ compensation premiums should be paid by the employer or business owner to help their workers in case emergencies happen during their line of work.
The goal of WorkCover NSW is to support injured workers and help them return to work as soon as possible. This insurance provides financial assistance, medical care, and rehabilitation services to those who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses.
The government agency in NSW that regulates the workers’ compensation scheme is the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA).
WorkCover insurance covers a wide range of work-related injuries and illnesses. However, take note that not all injuries and illnesses are covered by this. The injury or illness must be directly related to your work activities and duties.
Some of the common work-related injuries and illnesses they can help with include:
In case you encounter any of these injuries or illnesses in your work, your workers’ compensation may be able to cover you. WorkCover insurance can provide a range of benefits to help you recover from a work-related injury or illness, including:
Return to work support
WorkCover can help you return to work safely and as soon as possible. This can either be through new employment assistance, vocational rehabilitation or modified duties.
For new employment assistance, workers can get benefits of:
Getting $1000 is the maximum amount a worker can receive from the new employment assistance benefit in respect of the injury received.
For education or training assistance, workers can receive amounts for:
A worker can claim a maximum amount of $8000 for education or training expenses in respect of the injury received.
Medical expenses
WorkCover will cover the cost of necessary medical treatment related to your work injury or illness. This can include doctor visits, specialists, surgery, physiotherapy, and medication.
Weekly payments
If your injury or illness prevents you from working, you may be eligible for weekly payments. This will help you compensate for a portion of your lost wages.
The amount you receive will be based on your pre-injury earnings.
Persons who qualify for these should either be:
Permanent impairment benefits
If you have a permanent disability as a result of your work injury or illness, you may be entitled to ongoing financial compensation.
Death benefits
In the tragic event of a work-related fatality, WorkCover may provide financial support to your dependents and pay weekly payments and other expenses, like funeral costs.
This guide will help you claim your workers’ compensation benefits in case injuries or illnesses happen.
1. Seeking Medical Attention
Seek treatment immediately when in case of a work-related injury or illness. It would be best to seek medical attention from GPs who know how to handle your case. Our GPs at Woodville Rd Medical & Dental Centre can give you the proper treatment and care you deserve. We will also provide you with a complete Certificate of Capacity.
This certificate details the nature of your injury, its impact on your work capacity, and any recommended treatment or rehabilitation.
The Certificate of Capacity should include this information:
Remember to keep a copy of the Certificate of Capacity for your records in case your employer or insurer needs a copy in the future.
2. Reporting Your Injury to Your Employer
The next best thing to do is to notify your employer as soon as possible. This notification can be done verbally or in writing. It’s best to follow it up with a written record, such as an email, for your own protection.
Moreover, this can be beneficial in the future whenever your employer will have to file a register of injuries or other forms for your WorkCover claim.
Here are some information you can include in your written record:
Note: Sending an early message to your employer allows them to lodge a claim with their insurer quickly. Writing the details can also help minimise the delays in receiving benefits.
3. Lodging a WorkCover Claim
There are two ways to lodge a WorkCover claim:
Note: Regardless of who lodges the claim, as an injured worker, you have the right to choose your own doctor and/or specialists if you need any.
4. The Claims and Benefits Process
Once your claim is lodged, the insurer will assess its eligibility based on the information provided. This may involve contacting your employer, reviewing your medical records, and potentially arranging an independent medical assessment.
Do note that the benefits you will be receiving will still depend on the nature and severity of your injury.
5. Communication and Staying Informed
While your insurance claim and recovery is still in the process, ensure you continue to have open communication with your GP, employer, and insurer.
For more information about your workers’ compensation, visit SIRA’s Guidelines for Claiming Workers’ Compensation.
Work-related injuries or illnesses may put your work life on hold. But with WorkCover benefits, you will still get the financial and medical support you need during recovery. Knowing your benefits and understanding the WorkCover claim process can equip you when the time comes.
If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, our GPs at Woodville Rd Medical & Dental Centre are here to help. Our experienced and patient-centred approach can heal you in no time. Let our team help and complete the necessary WorkCover paperwork for you.
Call our healthcare centre at (02) 9681 5880 today.
