Concussion & Head Injuries at Work
Concussion or head injury at work in NSW? Same-day WorkCover Certificate of Capacity via telehealth. SIRA-experienced doctors. $0 out-of-pocket.
Concussion and Head Injuries at Work
A concussion or head injury sustained at work can have far-reaching consequences — from persistent headaches and cognitive difficulties to emotional changes that affect every aspect of your life. These injuries are often underestimated, but they require proper medical assessment, documentation, and time to recover.
Claims Doctor provides same-day WorkCover medical certificates via telehealth for workers across NSW who have suffered concussion or head injuries at work. Every consultation is conducted by Dr Robert Laidlaw (MBBS), who has neurosurgical training and understands the complexities of traumatic brain injury.
Understanding Workplace Concussion and Head Injuries
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head — or by a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. The brain is jolted inside the skull, causing chemical changes and sometimes stretching or damaging brain cells.
Common workplace causes of concussion and head injuries include:
- Falls — from heights, ladders, scaffolding, or on slippery surfaces
- Struck-by incidents — falling objects, tools, or materials hitting the head
- Vehicle accidents — forklifts, trucks, or other workplace vehicles
- Collisions — walking into low beams, open doors, or equipment
- Assaults — physical violence in the workplace
- Explosions or blasts — pressure waves affecting the brain
It is important to understand that you do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Many concussions occur without any loss of consciousness, and symptoms may not appear immediately — sometimes developing hours or days after the injury.
More severe head injuries, including skull fractures, intracranial bleeding, and moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury, require emergency medical attention. If you or a colleague have sustained a significant head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, seizures, or clear fluid from the nose or ears, call 000 immediately.
Symptoms of Concussion and Head Injury
Concussion symptoms can be grouped into four categories:
Physical
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred or double vision
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Cognitive
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Feeling "foggy" or "slowed down"
- Memory problems — difficulty remembering new information
- Confusion about recent events
Emotional
- Irritability or mood swings
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Sadness or depression
- Feeling more emotional than usual
Sleep-related
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Drowsiness during the day
Most concussions resolve within 2 to 4 weeks with appropriate rest and graduated return to activity. However, some workers develop post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for weeks, months, or longer. Early documentation and appropriate management are key to recovery.
Your Rights Under WorkCover in NSW
A concussion or head injury sustained at work is a compensable injury under the NSW Workers Compensation scheme, regulated by SIRA. Your entitlements include:
- Weekly payments — income support while you are unable to work or on restricted duties
- Medical expenses — GP consultations, specialist referrals (neurologist, neuropsychologist), imaging (CT, MRI), and rehabilitation
- Cognitive rehabilitation — programs to support recovery of cognitive function
- Permanent impairment compensation — if your head injury results in lasting impairment
Proper documentation of your head injury is critical, particularly for post-concussion syndrome, where the link between the workplace incident and ongoing symptoms needs to be clearly established. Your Certificate of Capacity from Claims Doctor is issued same-day at $0 out-of-pocket.
How Claims Doctor Can Help
- Specialist understanding — Dr Robert Laidlaw has neurosurgical training, giving him a deep understanding of head injuries and their consequences
- Same-day certificates — issued during your telehealth consultation
- Telehealth convenience — particularly valuable when symptoms like headache, dizziness, and light sensitivity make travelling to a clinic difficult
- 7-day availability — head injuries can happen any day
- $0 out-of-pocket — insurer-funded under WorkCover
- Comprehensive documentation — your certificate will detail the mechanism of injury, your symptoms, cognitive and physical limitations, and your capacity for work
What to Expect During Your Consultation
- Book your appointment — visit claimsdoctor.com.au/book or call (02) 7257 7918
- Provide your details — information about the incident, your symptoms, your employer, and your insurer
- Video consultation — Dr Laidlaw will conduct a thorough assessment including the mechanism of injury, timeline of symptoms, cognitive screening, and functional impact
- Certificate issued — your Certificate of Capacity is completed during the consultation
- Management plan — guidance on graduated return to activity, recommendations for further investigation or specialist referral as appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
I didn't lose consciousness. Can I still have a concussion?
Yes. The majority of concussions occur without loss of consciousness. If you experienced symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, or memory problems after a blow to the head, you may have sustained a concussion regardless of whether you lost consciousness.
When can I return to work after a concussion?
This depends on the severity of your symptoms and the nature of your work. Dr Laidlaw will assess your capacity and may recommend a graduated return — starting with reduced hours and modified duties before progressing to full capacity. Workers in safety-critical roles (e.g., operating machinery, driving, working at heights) may require a longer period off work.
My symptoms haven't improved after several weeks. Is this normal?
While most concussions resolve within 2 to 4 weeks, approximately 10 to 20 percent of people develop post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for months or longer. This is a recognised condition and is covered under your WorkCover claim. Dr Laidlaw may recommend referral to a neurologist or neuropsychologist.
Should I have had a CT scan or MRI?
Not all head injuries require imaging. CT scans are typically performed in the emergency department when there are concerns about bleeding or fracture. MRI may be recommended later if symptoms persist. Dr Laidlaw will advise whether imaging is appropriate for your situation.
Book a Same-Day Consultation
Head injuries need proper documentation and management. Get your WorkCover certificate today from a doctor who understands brain injury.
Phone: (02) 7257 7918 | SMS: 0418 171 898