UNDERSTANDING AND ACCESSING WORKCOVER

In Queensland, an employer under the WorkCover (workers’ compensation) framework has a legal duty to ensure employees are protected and supported in the event of work-related injury or illness. This includes maintaining valid workers’ compensation insurance (unless the employer is licensed to self-insure)  promptly notifying the insurer (or WorkCover Queensland) when a work-injury occurs, and cooperating with the claims process by providing required information such as wage history, incident reports and medical certificates  Once a claim is accepted, the employer must take all reasonable steps to facilitate rehabilitation and return to work, including offering suitable or modified duties compatible with the injured worker’s medical limitations . The employer also must keep the insurer informed of the worker’s progress, maintain open communication with the employee and ensure that dismissal is not based solely on incapacity due to injury (at least for 12 months following the injury) .