Australian injury guide
Workplace Injuries and Workers Compensation
Report a work injury promptly, seek medical care and keep employment records. Each state scheme has its own forms, certificates, insurers, benefits and common-law rules.
Notify and document
Record when, where and how the injury occurred, notify the employer and keep the injury report. Obtain the state-specific certificate of capacity where required.
Identify the insurer and worker status
The employer may use a scheme insurer or self-insure. Employee, contractor, director, volunteer and journey arrangements are not treated identically.
Keep wage, treatment and work-capacity evidence
Retain payslips, rosters, position information, certificates, referrals, invoices and return-to-work communications.
Distinguish statutory and common-law pathways
A no-fault statutory claim is different from a damages claim alleging negligence. Thresholds, elections and time limits vary by jurisdiction.
Sources and scope
Safe Work Australia — workers compensation ↗
Sources checked 25 September 2026. General information only. Check current state or territory legislation, scheme guidance and individual advice before acting on a time limit.