Back Injury at Work? Get Your Certificate Today.

Back Injuries and Workers Compensation in NSW

Back injuries are the single most common workplace injury in Australia. According to Safe Work Australia, body stressing (which includes back injuries from lifting, carrying, and repetitive movement) accounts for approximately 37% of all serious workers compensation claims. In NSW alone, thousands of workers lodge WorkCover claims for back injuries each year.

If you have injured your back at work — whether from a single incident such as lifting a heavy load, or from gradual wear and tear caused by repetitive tasks — you are likely entitled to workers compensation. This includes weekly benefits, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs. The first step is getting a medical assessment and a Certificate of Capacity from your doctor.

Types of Workplace Back Injuries

Back injuries covered under WorkCover in NSW include both acute traumatic injuries and chronic degenerative conditions caused or aggravated by work:

Common Causes

Workplace back injuries typically result from manual handling tasks, sustained postures, or sudden incidents. Common causes include:

• Lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects without adequate support or equipment
• Repetitive bending, twisting, or reaching movements over extended periods
• Slips, trips, and falls on work premises
• Prolonged sitting in poorly designed workstations (office and vehicle drivers)
• Vibration exposure (heavy machinery operators, truck drivers)
• Sudden impact or crush injuries in industrial settings

What Your Certificate of Capacity Will Include

During your Claims Doctor consultation, your doctor will assess your injury and complete your Certificate of Capacity. This document tells your employer and insurer:

• Your current diagnosis and clinical findings
• Your current work capacity: no capacity for any work, partial capacity with restrictions, or full capacity for pre-injury duties
• Specific work restrictions — for back injuries, this commonly includes lifting limits (e.g. no lifting over 5kg), no bending or twisting, sit-stand alternation requirements, and reduced hours
• Recommended treatment plan — physiotherapy, imaging (X-ray or MRI), pain management, or specialist referral
• Expected review date — your certificate will specify when you need to see your doctor again, typically within 7–28 days

How Claims Doctor Helps

Claims Doctor provides same-day video consultations for workers who have injured their back at work. Your consultation includes a full clinical assessment via video, completion of your Certificate of Capacity during the call, and digital delivery of your certificate to you, your employer, and your insurer.

If your injury requires further investigation — such as imaging, physiotherapy, or specialist review — your doctor can arrange referrals as part of your claim. All costs are covered by your insurer with a valid claim number.

Frequently Asked Questions