Human Resources > Obligations to injured Workers Policy > Injured Workers Workcover Claims Process
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Issue Date: 20 January 2015
The following is a guide to initial steps in managing Workcover Claims. The Victorian Workcover Authority has comprehensive information http://www.vwa.vic.gov.au and should be referred to in the event of a worker receiving an injury and making a Workcover claim.
Step One: If a worker has a work-related injury or illness
1. Anyone injured or ill is to seek appropriate treatment
2. If there has been a serious incident, notify VWA immediately on 13 23 60
3. Ensure the Register of Injuries is filled out
4. Start planning for return to work
5. If a certificate of Capacity is presented, discuss with worker return to work options
At the point you know a worker is injured and can't perform their normal duties, it’s important to provide them with return to work information and start planning for return to work.
If the injured worker has visited the doctor, the doctor may call the workplace to discuss options to help the worker return to work as soon as safely possible.
Step Two: Lodging a claim
If a worker chooses to make a claim for a work-related injury or illness, they will need to complete the Worker's Injury Claim Form and give it to the workplace to complete the Employer section. Workplaces should also follow this process if they receive a Dependent’s claim for compensation form.
1. Acknowledge that you have received the claim in writing
This can be done by giving the worker a copy of the claim form when Kyeema has completed the Employer section.
2. Complete an Employer Injury Claim Report
Complete an Employer Injury Claim Report and then submit the following documentation to your Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) Agent:
•Worker's Injury Claim Form
•Employer Injury Claim Report
•Injured worker's medical certificate ('Certificate of Capacity')
•Any other relevant documentation, e.g. invoices or receipts for medical expenses.
The Employer must lodge the claim with Kyeema’s VWA Agent within 10 calendar days of receiving the claim form from your worker.
There can be penalties for failing to meet this timeframe.
3. Lodge the claim
You can lodge the claim form and the required documentation through your VWA Agent's online claim lodgment system.
Alternatively, you can mail the documentation to your VWA Agent. Once you have submitted the claim documentation your VWA Agent will contact you.
4. You may be asked to cooperate with a Circumstance Investigator
A Circumstance Investigator may be appointed to obtain relevant documents and interview witnesses about your worker's claimed injury. This is your opportunity to give the VWA Agent detailed information about the injury and the events that took place.
5. The worker may be required to attend an examination
Independent medical examinations of workers are conducted to provide impartial information to help your VWA Agent make decisions about your worker's entitlement to weekly payments and treatment and to support their recovery, rehabilitation and return to safe work.
6. Appoint a Return to Work Coordinator if required
It is important that you nominate and appoint a Return to Work Coordinator who has an appropriate level of seniority and is competent. This is a requirement if your worker has an incapacity for work and you don't already have a Return to Work Coordinator.
7. Develop a return to work plan
When someone isn't working their health and wellbeing can quickly deteriorate. So starting the planning process for a timely and safe return to work is a critical step.
Successful return to work planning can only occur with the involvement and support of all parties. Crucially, this includes your worker and their treating health practitioner – under the law you have an obligation to consult with them (with the worker's consent).
8. Stay in regular contact with the worker who is off work
Explore what your worker can do at work rather than what they can't and talk to them about it. People generally recover better and faster if they can safely stay at work while they recover.
Once you have received notification of the outcome of the claim, read about what to do after the claim has been assessed.
Step Three: If the claim has been accepted:
1. Continue to plan for the worker’s return to work
2. Ensure the worker continues to be paid if they lose income
3. Forward any Certificates of Capacity to Kyeema’s VWA Agent
5. Comply with all obligations
Use the VWA website for up to date information at any stage of the process.