WorkCover is a government-run workers’ compensation scheme that provides benefits and support to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.

Who is eligible to make a WorkCover claim?

Any employee in NSW who suffers a work-related injury or illness may be eligible to claim.

What benefits can I receive under WorkCover?

You may receive wage support, medical care, rehabilitation, and lump sum payments for permanent impairment.

Are WorkCover benefits limited or capped?

Yes, benefits are capped and depend on your earnings, injury type, and level of impairment.

How is compensation calculated?

Compensation is based on your pre-injury income, medical assessments, and work capacity.

Can I claim lump sum compensation?

Only workers with a permanent impairment above a set threshold may claim this compensation.

Will I receive weekly payments while I’m unable to work?

Yes, weekly payments cover a percentage of the income you lose while unable to work.

Workers Comp · Northern Beaches

Workers Comp in Freshwater — Where to Start

Injured at work? Here’s exactly what to do next.

By the time a fashion retail assistant on a long Saturday shift in Freshwater realises a knee injury from steps or wrist RSI from rehanging stock isn't fading, the workers compensation clock is already running. What gets the wheels turning is small: a clear doctor's note from someone used to these claims. Until that is in writing, even straightforward claims stall.

Book a WorkCover Doctor (02) 7238 7379

Workers Comp Help in Freshwater

The first 3 steps

Workers Comp in Freshwater — How It Starts

See a WorkCover doctor

For kitchen burns, slip injuries, lifting strain, or repetitive-strain wrist issues, your first stop is a WorkCover-trained doctor.

Book a doctor in Freshwater

Get your Certificate of Capacity

Your doctor issues this on the first visit. It’s the legal document that proves you have a work injury and tells the insurer how much you can work and what treatment you need. No paperwork on your end — the doctor handles it.

Notify your employer

You’re legally required to tell your employer about a work injury — a text or email is enough. Once they get your Certificate of Capacity, they pass it to their workers comp insurer. The claim opens, and wages and treatment get covered from that point.

Common workers comp claims in Freshwater

Workers comp claims in Freshwater most often come from the local hospitality and retail workforces, alongside the back, shoulder, and stress injuries common across every industry.

Freshwater's village strip along Lawrence Street and its beach at the end of it keep a compact hospitality and retail workforce active year-round. Surf clubs, cafes, and small independent schools are all regular local employers, and the suburb's older Federation-era housing stock draws a constant flow of renovation trades.

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