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 · Upper North Shore

Workers Comp in Hornsby — Where to Start

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

Westfield Hornsby retail floor staff with chronic standing-related damage, Hornsby Hospital nurses with patient-handling lumbar injuries, and building tradies working the surrounding residential markets, all end up needing one early doctor visit to start a workers comp file. It really comes down to the doctor's paperwork from the first visit — a workers comp-aware clinician knows the wording the insurer needs. Once that page is in, the wait is over.

Book a WorkCover Doctor (02) 7238 7379

Workers Comp Help in Hornsby

The first 3 steps

Workers Comp in Hornsby — 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 Hornsby

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 Hornsby

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

Hornsby is the Upper North Shore's largest commercial centre, flanked by bushland and served by a major hospital. Westfield Hornsby draws retail workers from across the region, while construction activity in surrounding residential areas keeps the building trades busy.

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