Workers in Queensland are fortunate to have a compulsory system of Workers Compensation Insurance which deals with all Work accidents .
In accordance with the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (the WCRA), every employer must have workers compensation insurance.
The WCRA also states that there are obligations imposed on employers and employees to ensure that the system operates in order to achieve its aims
“Workers” are defined within the WCRA. If you are an employee for wages, you are a worker. Further, if you work under a contract, or at piecemeal rates for labour or substantially for labour only, you are also a worker. If you have any doubt, contact WorkCover Queensland and ask.
If applying for WorkCover compensation, the employment must be connected with the State of Queensland. An application must be lodged with the workers compensation insurer within 6 months of the injury in order for it to be valid and enforceable, but ideally should be lodged within 28 days of the injury.
There is an approved form which should be available from your employer. If not, you can download it from WorkCover Queensland’s website or ask WorkCover to send one to you.
You must also obtain a specific Q-Comp medical certificate and submit it with the application.
Your employer must complete a report on the work accident and submit that report to WorkCover.
The insurer must make a decision to accept or reject your application within 3 months.
