Question 1

Do I need to notify WorkSafe Tasmania if a worker is injured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the employer must notify WorkSafe Tasmania as soon as possible if any of the following incidents have occurred in the workplace

a death, or
someone suffers a serious injury or illness, or
a dangerous incident

Electric shocks must also be reported to TasNetworks on 13 20 04.

To contact WorkSafe Tasmania dial 1300 366 322 when calling from Tasmania. Outside of Tasmania callers must use (03) 6166 4600.

Further information is available here WorkSafe Tasmania in respect to the definition of a serious injury or illness and a dangerous incident.

Within 48 hours, the employer must also complete and lodge online, an Incident Notification Form which can be found here Incident Notification Form

Question 2

What do I need to do if I receive a notice of injury?

Accepted Answer

If you receive a notice of injury, you have 14 days to provide your worker with a written notice informing them of their right to make a claim under the Act.

This Notice of Right to Make Workers Compensation Claim form can be found here WorkSafe Tasmania Forms and Guides or by searching for GF172.

You must also notify GIO within 3 business days:

if the injury results in, or is likely to result in, total or partial incapacity
once you receive a claim for compensation

The employer is also legally required to complete the employer section of the claim form and forward it to GIO within 5 business days.

If an employee suffers a serious injury, death or electric shock you must notify WorkSafe Tasmania immediately on (03) 6166 4600 (outside Tasmania) or 1300 366 322 (within Tasmania). Electric shocks must also be reported to TasNetworks on 13 20 04

The online Incident Notification Form for serious injuries must also be lodged by employers within 48 hours and can be found here Online Incident Notification Form

To report an injury to GIO, please call us on 13 10 10 or email giowctas@gio.com.au.

To notify GIO of a new claim, you simply need to provide your contact details, your workers compensation policy number, the worker's name, address and date of birth, and details of the incident.

GIO is committed to early intervention and recovery of injured workers and is dedicated to working with employers and workers to support early return to work activities. GIO has long identified that the long-term absence from work is harmful to physical and mental wellbeing however, returning safely and quickly to work has strong benefits for the individual, their family, their employer and the sustainability of an Injury Management Scheme.

Question 3

What must an employer do if there is a workplace injury?

Accepted Answer

Attend to the injured worker as soon as possible;
Notify GIO within 3 working days;
Give the worker written notice advising of their right to make a claim within 14 days;
Accept the worker’s claim form (notifying their insurer of the claim within 3 working days) and then forward the claim to the insurer within 5 days;
Start making weekly compensation payments within 14 days of receiving a new claim, or on the next payday where it is later than 14 days after receipt of the claim;
Keep the worker’s position open for a period of at least 12 months;
Provide the injured worker with suitable alternative duties. If it’s unreasonable or impracticable to do so, the employer must advise the worker in writing of the reasons;
Ensure that an injured worker is assigned to a Return to Work Coordinator as soon as practicable in the event of a significant claim (where more than 100 employees are employed);
Participate and co-operate with GIO to develop a Return to Work and / or Injury Management Plan for the injured worker;
Provide suitable and meaningful duties in the workplace for an injured worker, wherever practicable

Question 4

When are Employers required to prepare Return to Work Plans?

Accepted Answer

When are Employers required to prepare Return to Work Plans?

Employers are required to develop Return to Work Plans when
total or partial incapacity exceeds 5 business days and is ongoing
incapacity relates to only one diagnosed condition
the incapacity is not deemed as a significant or complex injury
the medical treatment plan recommends conservative treatment

Employers are required to prepare Return to Work Plans to suit the needs of the individual who is injured and assist and promote optimal return to work outcomes.
Return to Work Plans will be agreed to, prepared and implemented within 10 business days from the date of the consultation with the Primary Treating Medical Practitioner as indicated on the medical certificate.
GIO will engage with employers to ensure these plans are prepared and implemented within the required timeframe

Tools and Resources for TAS

Training Calendar

Risk Management Services

Return to Work and Suitable Duties

Claims Reporting

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