Getting injured at work can be scary, especially if you’re new to the workforce. You might not be sure what you’re meant to do, what your employer can ask of you, and what support is available. Understanding your rights early can help you make informed decisions about your health, your income, and your work. This guide explains how workers' compensation works in Queensland, what steps to take after you’ve been injured at work, and where to get the right information for your claim.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to support workers who are injured or become ill because of their work. It can help cover medical and rehabilitation costs and provide income support if you are unable to work while you recover.
What are my rights if I’ve been injured at work?
If you’ve been injured at work, you may have a right to make a workers’ compensation claim if:
You suffered a physical or psychological injury or illness, and
The injury happened because of your work or workplace environment
Workers’ compensation exists to support injured workers, not to punish them for being injured. It is designed to assist with recovery and help you return to work, if it is safe to do so. In Queensland, these are the typical work rights for employees:
Access medical treatment
Have an existing workers’ compensation matter assessed
Receive benefits during recovery, where applicable
What to do if you’ve been injured at work
If you’ve hurt yourself at work, it’s important to act early. You should:
Get medical help as soon as possible
Report the injury to your employer
Ask your doctor for a Work Capacity Certificate
Lodge a workers’ compensation claim
Some workers hesitate to speak up because they’re worried about their job security or being seen as a problem. That is understandable, but early action can make a real difference to your recovery and your claim.
How does workers’ compensation work in Queensland?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides financial and medical support to workers who are injured at their job. In Queensland, most claims are managed by WorkCover Queensland or a self-insured employer. While the rules are different between states, the purpose is the same across Australia: to help injured workers recover and, where possible, return to work safely. Workers’ compensation may cover:
Medical and rehabilitation costs
Weekly payments if you cannot work or can only work reduced hours
Travel costs related to treatment
Lump sum compensation in some cases
Who pays for workers’ compensation?
In Queensland, employers are legally required to hold a workers’ compensation policy. This means your claim is usually made through an insurer, not directly against your employer.
That’s why understanding your work and labour rights is so important, because insurers are responsible for key decisions that can affect your treatment, income, and work arrangements.
Do you accrue leave while on workers’ compensation in QLD?
In Queensland, you can continue to accrue annual leave while receiving workers’ compensation, as long as you would usually be entitled to annual leave if you were still performing your normal work duties. This means being on workers’ compensation does not automatically stop annual leave from building up, provided your employment relationship remains in place, and your leave entitlements would otherwise apply.
Rights of Employers: What your employer can and can’t do after a workplace injury
After a workplace injury, workers and employers have different rights and responsibilities. It is the right of your employer to:
Ask you to provide a medical certificate
Offer suitable duties that align with your medical restrictions
Communicate with the insurer about your claim
However, there are also clear limits on what an employer can’t do. Your employer cannot:
Force you back to work before your doctor clears you
Require you to work outside your medical restrictions
Stop you from accessing workers’ compensation support
Treat you unfairly because of your injury
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to get advice early. Understanding your rights can help ensure you are treated fairly.
What you’re allowed to do while on workers’ compensation
Workers’ compensation is there to support your recovery, but there are still expectations around what you should and should not do. Generally, you’re expected to:
Follow your doctor’s medical advice
Be honest about your injury and work capacity
Take part in suitable duties and rehabilitation where approved
During recovery, you should only do activities that your medical team has cleared you to do. Doing activities that have not been approved by your medical team can put your claim at risk. That’s why it’s important to understand the rights and responsibilities of workers in Australia while you’re recovering.
How can Shine Lawyers help?
The insurance and workers’ compensation system can feel stressful when you are dealing with a workplace injury, especially if you are early in your career. Shine Lawyers can help you understand your rights and review your existing workers’ compensation situation. We will explain how the process works, clarify what options may be available, and help you understand what to expect at each stage. Our team of legal team of experts will ensure you’re provided clear advice that you can easily understand. Get in touch today.
Other helpful resources
Take a look at other myths and misconceptions about workers’ compensation in QLD and Australia:
Debunking common workers’ compensation myths: Part 1
Myths and Misconceptions about Workers’ Compensation: Part 2
