• Obtain a first medical certificate from a GP.
• Fill out a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (also called 2B Form).
• You will be advised in writing by the insurer within 14 days after they receive your claim from the employer if your claim has been: Accepted; Disputed; or Pended for further information.
• If your claim is disputed or if a decision is unable to be made, the insurer or your employer must advise you of the reason.

For further information click on the How do I make a claim? link in the related links section in the panel to your right.

• full-time workers on a wage or salary;
• part-time, casual and seasonal workers;
• workers on commission;
• piece workers;
• working directors (companies now have an option as to whether working directors who have some ownership of the company and are ‘workers’ under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 are to be insured under the workers’ compensation system); and
• contractors and sub-contractors may also be defined as ‘workers’, depending on the circumstances of their working arrangement.

The definition of ‘worker’ may be broken up into two main parts: Primary and Extended.

Primary definition
This covers any person who works under a contract of service or apprenticeship with you. The contract may be expressed or implied, oral or written. A large part of the workforce is covered under this part of the definition, including workers who:

• work for salary or wages;
• work set hours of work;
• may be terminated/dismissed by the employer;
• work for only one employer; and/or
• are supervised and controlled.

Extended definition
This covers any person who works under a contract for service. Many people who work on a contract or sub-contract basis may be covered under this part of the definition, and it may cover workers who:

• are paid on piece rates, hourly rates or per job;
• work for the employer on a ‘one-off’ or per job basis;
• do not have set hours of work;
• work for more than one employer;
• work unsupervised; and/or
• pay 20 per cent prescribed payments (sub-contractor’s tax).

A worker may also include any person who is covered by an industrial award or agreement. See the Contractors and Workers' Compensation fact sheet in the publications section to your right for further details.

Injured workers are strongly encouraged to fully participate and cooperate with their employer and medical practitioner in the development of a return to work program. Your participation in decisions such as: developing alternate or different duties that are meaningful to both you and your employer; modifying existing duties; or obtaining different equipment to help you undertake these duties is critical and is in your best interests.

If you choose not to cooperate with your employer in the return to work process, an Arbitrator of the Dispute Resolution Directorate may be required to intervene, and ultimately may order you to participate in the process.

It is positive for you, your employer and your workplace to participate in the process to ensure the best outcome is reached for all involved.
 

• Chiropractic Services;
• Clinical Psychology Services;
• Counselling Psychology Services;
• Occupational Therapy Services;
• Osteopathic Services;
• Physiotherapy Services (including Exercise Based Programs);
• Dental Treatment;
• Speech Pathology; and
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

If you require treatment that does not appear on the list you should check with your insurance company to make sure they will cover the cost BEFORE you commence treatment.

Alternatively, the treating medical practitioner may wish to liaise directly with the insurer. While the insurer may agree to cover certain costs that are not approved forms of treatment, there is no obligation on the insurer to continue paying for these services.

Some providers may charge more than the prescribed workers' compensation rate, which means the worker will be responsible for any gap. The worker should check with the provider before commencing treatment.