Employer's Guide to Managing a WorkCover Claim
A guide for NSW employers on managing workplace injuries — your obligations, the claims process, and how to reduce lost time with same-day medical documentation.
In This Guide
Your Obligations
As an employer in NSW, you have specific legal obligations when a worker is injured. These include notifying your insurer promptly (within 48 hours of becoming aware of a significant injury), forwarding the worker's claim to the insurer within 5 business days, providing suitable duties that are consistent with the worker's medical restrictions, cooperating with the return-to-work process, and maintaining the worker's position for at least 6 months.
The First 48 Hours
The first 48 hours after a workplace injury are critical. Ensure the worker receives appropriate first aid and medical attention. Document the incident in your workplace incident register. Notify your workers compensation insurer. Begin the claim lodgement process. Direct the worker to a medical practitioner for assessment and certificate issuance.
Claims Doctor can see your injured worker on the same day via telehealth, issuing their Certificate of Capacity during the call. This means you have medical documentation and a return-to-work plan within hours of the injury — not days.
Working With the Insurer
Your insurer (or their Claims Service Provider) will assign a case manager to the claim. You will need to provide information about the worker's role, duties, and available modified duties. Clear communication with the insurer and treating doctor is essential for efficient claim management.
Suitable Duties
You are required to provide suitable duties if they are available in your workplace. Suitable duties are tasks that are within the worker's medical restrictions, meaningful and productive (not token duties), and consistent with the return-to-work plan on the Certificate of Capacity. Claims Doctor writes specific, actionable restrictions that make it clear what duties are appropriate.
Return to Work Programs
Employers with more than 20 employees are required to have a return-to-work program. This should include designated return-to-work coordinators, a process for identifying and providing suitable duties, communication protocols with the treating doctor and insurer, and graduated return-to-work pathways.
How Claims Doctor Helps Employers
Claims Doctor reduces the time between injury and medical documentation from days to hours. Same-day certificates mean you can implement a return-to-work plan immediately. We offer case conferencing (WCO002) to discuss capacity and suitable duties directly with your team. Learn about our employer partnerships →
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