Workers’ compensation in Western Australia

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that your employer must have by law. It can provide financial support and cover the cost of reasonable medical treatment if you’re injured at work or develop a work-related illness.

If you’re working in Western Australia (WA), the workers’ compensation system is known as WorkCover WA, and is a system designed to support you if you’re injured or become ill because of your job. It’s mandatory for employers in WA (and Australia) to cover WA workers, whether they work on a construction site, in an office or in healthcare.

WorkCover WA is the government agency responsible for overseeing the workers’ compensation and injury management system in Western Australia. If you’re injured at work or suffer a work-related illness, WorkCover WA is the primary authority that protects your rights. While your employer and their insurer handle your claim, WorkCover WA ensures the process is fair, transparent and in line with relevant legislation.

WorkCover WA regulates employers, insurers and self-insurers to ensure they meet their legal obligations under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023.¹

WorkCover WA provides clear, accessible information to employees, employers, medical practitioners and insurers about their rights and responsibilities.

Through its Conciliation and Arbitration Services, WorkCover WA assists in resolving disputes related to compensation payments, entitlements or return-to-work issues. It promotes effective injury management and return-to-work programs across industries.

Once you submit your claim form and First Certificate of Capacity to your employer, your employer must send your completed claim form and medical certificate to their workers’ compensation insurer within seven days.

You’ll receive an outcome of your claim within 14 days, which could be:

• Claim accepted: Your injury is deemed work-related. Depending on your circumstances, your entitlements may include income compensation, reasonable expenses e.g. medical expenses. Payments and support typically begin shortly after acceptance.
• Claim not accepted: The insurer does not accept your injury or illness is covered under the workers’ compensation For example, they may say the injury didn’t occur at work or wasn’t caused by work. You’ll receive a written notice with the reasons, and you have the right to challenge the insurer’s decision through WorkCover WA’s dispute resolution process.
• Claim deferred: The insurer hasn’t made a final decision and needs more time or information — for example, medical evidence or factual investigation. They must inform you in writing, and you’ll be updated as things progress within the liability decision time frame.

If your workplace injury claim is accepted, and depending on the individual circumstances of your claim, you may be eligible for:

• Weekly payments while you’re unable to work
• Medical expenses, including GP visits, surgery, rehabilitation, physiotherapy and counselling reasonably incurred
• Travel expenses for medical appointments
• Support to return to work, including modified duties and retraining
• Lump sum compensation if you have a permanent impairment
• Access to common law damages in some instances where negligence is proven.

Both physical and psychological injuries may be covered, provided they are linked to your employment.

The amounts you are eligible for will be indexed to the General Maximum Amount under the Indexation of Workers Compensation Payments 2025/26.

• Professional indemnity insurance
• Public liability insurance
• Product liability insurance
• Understanding statutory liability insurance