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 · Hunter Valley

Workers Comp in Newcastle — Where to Start

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

An injury on the Newcastle wharves or in one of the plants gets treated the same way in the scheme as one picked up on a hospital ward. A treating doctor has to write the Certificate of Capacity before the insurer can act on wages or treatment. Writing and reviewing those certificates is our doctors' work, and our physios and psychologists carry the treatment under an accepted claim.

Book a WorkCover Doctor (02) 7238 7379

Workers Comp Help in Newcastle

The first 3 steps

Workers Comp in Newcastle — How It Starts

See a WorkCover doctor

For HGV driver back injuries, forklift incidents, or loading-dock crush trauma, your first stop is a WorkCover-trained doctor.

Book a WorkCover doctor in Newcastle

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 Newcastle

Workers comp claims in Newcastle most often come from the local transport and manufacturing workforces, alongside the back, shoulder, and stress injuries common across every industry.

Newcastle is Australia's second-oldest city and the Hunter Valley's economic engine. The working port, coal export terminals, and manufacturing plants employ thousands in physically demanding roles, while the John Hunter Hospital complex is the region's largest healthcare employer.

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