Making a Claim: What to Do When a Workplace Injury Happens

Workplace injuries can happen in any business — and when they do, it's critical to act quickly and correctly to look after your workers and meet your legal obligations.

If you’re a business owner in Western Australia, and one of your workers is injured on the job, your broker is there to help you lodge a Workers’ Compensation claim — fast and hassle-free.

To do this properly, there are a few steps we need to follow to guide you through the process, including submitting the forms on your behalf to the insurer.

Step 1: Ensure the Worker Gets Medical Attention

Medical care always comes first. If an injury occurs:

• Provide first aid where needed

• Call emergency services if the injury is serious

• Ensure the worker visits their GP or a hospital for a proper medical assessment

Ask the doctor to issue a First Medical Certificate, which forms a crucial part of the claims process.

Step 2: Get the Worker to Complete a Claim Form & Authorise Us as Your Broker

Before we can submit the claim to your workers’ compensation insurer, we’ll need:

1. The injured worker to complete:

   • 📝Form 2B: Workers’ Compensation Claim Form

   • 📝A First Medical Certificate from their treating doctor

2. The worker to give permission for us to act on their behalf by signing:

   • 📝A Broker Consent Form (we’ll provide this)

This allows us to handle communications and documentation with the insurer directly — which makes the process smoother for everyone involved.

Step 3: We’ll Help You Complete the Employer’s Report

As the employer, you’ll need to provide basic details about the incident by completing:

• 📝Form 3: Employer’s Report of Injury

We can assist you with this form if you’re unsure what to include. Once you’ve completed it, send it to us alongside the worker’s forms, and we’ll lodge the entire claim pack with your insurer.

Step 4: We Lodge the Claim with Your Insurer

Once we receive the required documents:

• We’ll lodge the claim with your workers' compensation insurer

• The insurer then has 14 days to accept, dispute, or request further information

At this stage, we will act as your point of contact and follow up with both parties to ensure the process stays on track.

Step 5: Support the Worker’s Recovery & Return to Work

If the claim is accepted:

• The worker may receive weekly compensation payments if they can’t work

• Their medical and rehabilitation costs will be covered

• You’ll work with their doctor and the insurer to support a Return to Work Program

Your legal obligation includes actively supporting your employee’s recovery and rehabilitation process.

Legal Employer Duties in WA

As a WA employer, you must:

• Hold a current workers’ compensation insurance policy

• Report any workplace injuries to your insurer within 5 working days of being notified

• Not dismiss an injured employee within 12 months of their accident without WorkCover WA’s permission

• Keep accurate injury records

• Participate in the return-to-work process as reasonably required

Summary: What to Do When a Worker Is Injured

1. Get medical care for the worker

2. Ask them to complete the Form 2B, obtain a First Medical Certificate, and sign the Broker Consent Form

3. You complete the Form 3: Employer’s Report

4. Send all documents to us — we’ll handle the claim lodgement

5. Support your worker’s return to work and rehab process

Need Help Right Now?

If you’ve had a workplace incident and need to lodge a claim, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll provide all the forms, guide everyone through the process, and work with your insurer on your behalf.