Workcover resources – Tasmania (TAS)
TAS Workcover – TAS’s state government body responsible for managing Tasmania’s workers compensation fund and overseeing workplace OH&S standards.
Workers Rehabilitation and compensation Act 1988
Who is entitled to a Workers Compensation Claim in the state of Tasmania?
An individual who is identified as a worker in the state of Tasmania and they have suffered an injury in the workplace.
Workers Compensation Claims are managed by WorkCover Tasmania.
What should I do legally after my workplace injury?
You should immediately report the injury to your employer and let them know that you have suffered a injury as a result.
You then need to consult your doctor about the diagnosis of your injury/illness and obtain a medical certificate. There after you need to lodge a worker’s compensation claim with WorkCover Tasmania.
What entitlements may I receive in compensation?
Once your claim is accepted by WorkCover Tasmania some of your entitlements may include;-
- Payments of your wages while you are off work
- Payments of your medical
- Lump sum payout
What are my limitations in Tasmania?
You have 6 months to lodge a claim with your employer. Exceptions may be made if you are outside this period for industrial deafness cases and if you have a disease. You should lodge your claim as soon as the accident has occurred; even if you do not know the diagnosis of your injury it is still very important to lodge a claim as it may affect you in the long term.
When should I pursue a Common Law Claim?
Injured people who have accepted workers compensation claim should pursue a common claim when liability has been established and that the accident was not your fault and you were not partially at fault.
Pursuing a Common Law Claim can compensate you for past and future losses that WorkCover Tasmania does not take into consideration.
Resources and links
The information given above is incorrect. The Workers Compensation claim form must be lodged with the employer – not with Workcover as in Tasmania workers compensation claims are managed by the employers insurer. The claim does not have to be “accepted by Workcover” in order for payments to be made.
The employer must commence making weekly payments for lost time on a without predjudice basis and has 84 days to dispute a claim (but must continue making payments until a dispute is upheld).
You can only pursue a common law claim if you have suffered an injury that results in 20% or more Whole of Person Impairment. If you go to the website there is a booklet called Workers Compensation Handbook – The Basics
There is also a Helpline number 1300 776 572 that workers can ring for advice. Unions Tasmania also has a “Worker Assist” number 1300 0 277 478 or 1300 0 ASSIST
Thank you for the valuable information! Much appreciated. We got our initial interstate workcover information via a “reputable” site called the Australian Claims Authority… hmmm