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Safety @ work

Injuries at work

What should you do if you get injured at work?
If you are injured at work you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible and report the incident to your employer. Where there are health and safety representatives (HSRs) they should also be involved in this process. You should report your injury or illness to your employer whether you intend to make a claim for workers compensation or not.

You must include these details when reporting an incident:

  • date and time of the injury or illness
  • place of the injury or illness
  • type of injury or illness
  • cause of the injury or illness.

Regardless of whether you are full time, part time or casual, if you are injured or suffer an illness while working, then you are entitled to apply for compensation and/or assistance with rehabilitation.

Workers Compensation claim forms should be available in your workplace. They are also available at post offices, from WorkCoverSA or online at www.workcover.com.

What can you claim for?
You can claim for an injury or illness that happened because of your work. If your claim is accepted, you may be entitled to have medical treatment and costs covered, as well as rehabilitation and financial support to help you in your recovery and return to work.

What are your rights?
All workers, including young workers, have a right to:

  • make a claim for compensation
  • choose their own doctor
  • have all personal information kept confidential
  • have someone with you during any meeting about your claim
  • get advice before signing anything
  • get a copy of all medical reports about your claim
  • get a copy of your rehabilitation and return to work plan and be included in it’s preparation
  • have reasonable out-of-pocket expenses paid
  • an interpreter or advocate if required.

Last updated: 21 October, 2010

Telephone 1300 365 255

Employers and employees within South Australia can contact their local SafeWork SA office, or the Help Centre, for the cost of a local call. This service is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and on Wednesdays from 8.30am to 4.15pm (excluding public holidays)

Email: help@safework.sa.gov.au