The following questions have been received from employers regarding obligations for injury reporting and ensuring workplace health and safety standards are met.
What records do I have to keep about injury reporting?
The worker will need to give you as much information as possible to enable notification for compensation payments to commence. You should keep copies of all information provided, including any internal incident reporting documents and any other correspondence relating to the matter.
For more information on injury reporting see the injury and return to work section.
What happens if I lodge the paperwork late?
WorkCover takes late lodgement of claims very seriously as it has potential to impact on the health of the worker and the general claims position of the scheme overall. Employers who fail to lodge claim forms within the given timeframe may be fined or have a supplementary levy applied.
Is there any advantage in reporting a claim quickly?
An employer has a legislative obligation to report a claim for compensation to WorkCover within five days of receiving notice from a worker. To encourage the early reporting of a claim, an employer will be rewarded if they report a claim within two (2) business days, through a waiver of their responsibility to pay the first two weeks of wages (South Australian employers usually cover an injured worker’s first two weeks wages). See incentive for early reporting for more information.
Who decides if payments will commence and medical expenses will be paid?
The case manager, acting under the claims management agreement with WorkCover This decision is based on the guidelines set out in the Injury and Case Management Manual, which interprets how legislation is to be applied in this area. Detailed information on the claims process is provided in the injury and return to work section of this site, which also contains FAQs from workers and employers on this subject.
What happens if a claim is false?
If WorkCover is satisfied that a claim is dishonest, the person who committed the offence may be prosecuted. If you suspect that someone is acting dishonestly contact us to make an allegation. You may remain anonymous if you wish.
Can I sack someone while they're away from work on workers compensation payments?
When a worker is injured at work, the employer must provide alternative duties (wherever possible) and work cooperatively with the agent. If you are concerned about suitable duties for an individual worker with a current claim, please contact the case manager for assistance.
Where can I find information on Occupational Health and Safety?
In October 2005 the responsibility for administering the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act was transferred from WorkCover to a new OHS agency called SafeWork SA. Formerly called Workplace Services, SafeWork SA is responsible for administering industrial relations legislation and managing all occupational health, safety and welfare functions in our State.
To speak to a customer service officer about OHS or inquire about services call the SafeWork SA Help Centre on 1300 365 255. Opening hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm (excluding public holidays) and Wednesday from 8.30am to 4.15pm.