If an injury occurs in the workplace, make sure:

• the worker immediately seeks first aid
• the incident/accident is reported as soon as possible
• the worker visits a medical practitioner of their choice to obtain a First Medical Certificate
• the worker fills in a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (provided by the employer, their insurer, or WorkCover WA).

An employer must implement a return to work program as soon as practicable after:

• The treating medical practitioner indicates in writing the need for a Return to Work Program; or
• The treating medical practitioner signs a medical certificate to the effect that the worker has partial capacity for work or has total capacity for work but is unable to return to their pre-injury position for some reason.

Reportable accidents

It is a requirement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 that employers whose employees suffer certain ‘notifiable’ injuries must notify WorkSafe WA.

Mining, onshore petroleum and geothermal operations must notify the Resources Safety Division of the Department of Mines and Petroleum of any accidents and dangerous incidents.

Notifying WorkCover WA of industrial diseases

Within 7 days of knowledge that any worker is suffering from a specified occupational disease (see Schedule 3 of the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981), the employer is required to write to WorkCover WA giving notice. The notice must include the name and address of the worker, and the time the disease impacted upon the worker’s ability to work.