Understanding your obligations

Both you and your employer have obligations in relation to any injury you sustain at work.

What are your obligations?

If you are injured at work, you must:

Notify your employer of any injury or illness as soon as possible after becoming aware of it
Make a workers' compensation claim in order to receive payment for medical expenses and time lost due to medical appointments. In Tasmania you have 6 months following the date of occurrence to make a claim for compensation
Nominate your own treating doctor, usually a GP who agrees to participate in the planning of your return to the workforce
Forward ongoing medical certificates, receipts and accounts for medical and other treatment to your employer or CGU if your employer ceases to operate
Actively participate in treatment and planning your return to the workforce
Participate in assessments to determine your capacity, rehabilitation progress and future employment prospects
Make every reasonable effort to return to work within suitable duties
Notify your employer immediately if you are receiving workers' compensation payments and you start working for another employer or you start your own business
Comply with all reasonable requests made by CGU with regard to your claim.

If you don’t meet these obligations, your entitlement to weekly payments and medical and other expenses may be affected.

For further information about employee obligations, please refer to the Information for Workers your Rights and Responsibilities brochure or contact WorkCover TAS on (03) 6233 7657 (Outside Tasmania), 1300 366 322 (Inside Tasmania).

Your employer must:

Allow you to visit a doctor
Consult with you, your treating doctor and CGU about the plan for assisting your return to work
Prepare a Return to Work Plan
Provide you with employment that is suitable based on your work capacity, until you are able to return to your pre-injury duties.

For further information about employer obligations, see the section on Information for Workers your Rights and Responsibilities or contact WorkCover TAS on (03) 6233 7657 (Outside Tasmania), 1300 366 322 (Inside Tasmania).

Your employer is not allowed to terminate your employment for making a claim.

Your treating doctor must:

Recommend necessary treatment for your injury
Fully complete WorkCover TAS medical certificates
Monitor your progress regularly
Consult with CGU and your employer to develop a plan for your return to the workforce.

CGU’s responsibilities include:

Determining liability for your workers compensation claim and advising you in writing
Paying reasonable medical and treatment expenses in accordance with the Workers' Compensation Act
Keeping you informed of any matters affecting your claim.