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Workcover Claims

What is Workcover?

Workcover is the name given to the workers compensation scheme in Victoria . It is administered by the Victorian Workcover Authority. If a worker sustains an injury in the course of their employment, they may be entitled to compensation.

How to lodge a Claim

You must notify the University of any injury or illness, which has been significantly contributed to by work within 30 days of you becoming aware of it. If you don't, you may not be entitled to compensation. The easiest way to notify the University is to complete an Incident Hazard Report Form.

To lodge a WorkCover claim you will need to complete a Workcover Worker's Claim Form. Forms are available from any Post Office, Swinburne's Return To Work Coordinator (ext 8157), or Swinburne's Worker's Compensation Agent - X-Changing.

If your doctor considers you unfit for work as a result of a workplace incident, then you will need to obtain a Certificate of Capacity from your treating medical practitioner. You will need to submit both the Workcover Worker's Claim form, and the Certificate of Capacity to the Return To Work Coordinator as soon as possible after the injury.

You should inform your manager of any injury and any subsequent work restrictions as well as Swinburne's Return To Work Coordinator. The Return to Work Coordinator will also contact your manager. The instructions of the medical practitioner listed on the Certificate of Capacity must be followed strictly. Failure to comply with any medical restrictions may affect your medical condition and as well as your entitlement to compensation.

If your claim is only for medical and like expenses, a medical certificate is not required to accompany the Workcover Worker's Claim Form. If the claim is accepted the University will pay the first 10 days of your weekly benefits and the first $517 of your reasonable medical and like costs.

If your claim is accepted

WorkCover:

  • Covers reasonable medical and like services and rehabilitation;
  • provides weekly payments of compensation if there is incapacity for work after the injury/illness. Weekly payments are a percentage* of the pre-injury average weekly earnings of the claimant. For claims lodged after 01 September 2000 , regular overtime and shift allowances are included in the amount of compensation rate for the first 26 weeks of weekly payments;
  • assists the staff member to return to work as quickly and safely as possible after their injury/illness.

If your claim is not accepted

The University's insurer will provide detailed letter outlining the reasons why your claim has been denied. This will also include information on avenues for appeal.

Solving disputes about your claim

If you believe your claim for compensation has not been handled correctly, talk to the Return to Work Coordinator or X-Changing. You can also ring the WorkCover Advisory Service on (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089 (toll-free) for free advice. If you are still not satisfied you can ask for conciliation. Conciliation can help to resolve your dispute without the need to go to court. Ring the Conciliation Service on (03) 9628 1111 for more information.

If your WorkCover claim was made before 12 November 1997 , you may be paid under a different benefits structure. For more information, contact the Return to Work Advisor or X-Changing