Workplace injuries should be immediately reported to you, the employer, because even if a claim is not lodged initially, over time an injury may worsen.
The easiest way to report an injury and start the claims process is by phoning Employers Mutual on 1300 365 105 or WorkCover's EarlyClaim service on 13 18 55.
Late lodgment
If a worker reports an injury or work-related illness to you via a WorkCover Claim form, you are obliged to notify Employers Mutual within five working days of receiving it. As an employer you cannot legally refuse to lodge a claim presented to you by a worker. Employers who delay lodgement of claims may be subject to penalties.
As a reward for early reporting, a claim that is reported to Employers Mutual within two (2) business days will be eligible for a waiver of excess equating to the first two weeks of wages.
More information on how decisions on claims are made by our claims agent, Employers Mutual, is available from lifecycle of a claim or the active claims, worker entitlements and payments FAQs.
Example: Reporting an injury
Josie Nichols, is the owner/manager of Classic Hair a small hairdressing salon in Adelaide's eastern suburbs. Josie employs a part-time hairdresser, David, and Marie, a second year apprentice.
David developed dermatitis on his hands from handling products used in the salon. Josie rang Employers Mutual on 1300 365 105 to report the incident and advised him to see a doctor.
Upon return, David was able to continue working his usual hours but on the doctor's advice (written on the WorkCover Medical Certificate), he was not able to handle any chemical-based products in the salon until the dermatitis cleared.
Josie completed an Employer Report Form and promptly sent this with the WorkCover Claim form and an original of the WorkCover Medical Certificate to Employers Mutual. She kept an original copy for her own records.
As a result of this claim, Josie has instructed her staff to use the protective gloves supplied whenever they are handling chemical products, such as hair dyes. Josie also spoke to David's doctor about best practice care for dermatitis and adopted those practices in her salon to help David recover, and reduce the risk of further injury to everyone.
For more information on injury reporting view the Employer FAQs or contact us.