A workplace injury is any injury or illness caused by, or that happens at, work. Workplace injuries can include the worsening of an existing condition.
There is information on this page for different people depending on your role in the workplace.
Start by reading the information for everyone — what to do if someone is injured in the workplace.
Then also read the information:
- for employers — what to do if an employee has been injured
- for employees — what to do if you have been injured.
- options for contractors and for volunteers who are injured in a creative workplace
A workplace injury is a type of workplace incident. Understanding how to deal with workplace injuries goes hand in hand with understanding how to deal with workplace incidents.
For everyone: what to do if someone is injured at a workplace
When someone suffers injury in the workplace, it’s important to respond quickly and appropriately to protect the injured person and prevent further harm.
The steps below are relevant to everyone at the workplace, including employees, contractors, and volunteers.
Step 1—Make the area safe
If the situation is dangerous, take immediate steps to remove hazards or secure the area to prevent more injuries. This might involve:
- stopping equipment
- clearing debris
- setting up barriers to isolate hazards.
Step 2—Provide first aid
Make sure the injured person receives first aid.
If the injury is serious or life-threatening, call emergency services immediately.
All workplaces need to make sure that first aid kits are easily accessible.
Step 3—Help with medical treatment
Help the injured person access professional medical care if they need it.
Offer them transport to a clinic, hospital, or other healthcare provider.
Step 4—Record the details of the injury
It is essential to record the injury in the workplace’s incident report system. include:
- the date and time of the injury
- a description of what happened including who was injured any other people involved and any witnesses to the injury
- the actions taken in response to the injury.
Step 5—Notify appropriate authorities
For serious injuries, the workplace may need to notify the WHS regulator. These are called notifiable incidents. They include things like:
- fatalities
- severe burns
- fractures
- amputations
- injuries requiring immediate hospital treatment.
Each state or territory has specific notification requirements, even if a serious injury has not occurred.
Learn more about safety reporting and record keeping and dealing with workplace incidents.
Step 6—Talk to the injured worker about what support is available
What support is available depends on work arrangement between the injured worker and the workplace, such as insurance. For example:
- Employees may be eligible for workers compensation and return to work plans.
- Independent contractors and volunteers may have other insurance options or access to a workplace’s employee assistance program (EAPs).
In practice:
A stagehand sprains their wrist
A stagehand injures their wrist while assembling stage equipment at a music festival.
Their employer:
- provides first aid
- helps the employee to seek medical treatment
- makes sure the injury is recorded.
The stagehand is given light duties based on medical advice. For example, light assembly tasks or administrative support while recovering.
They return to normal duties only after they get a medical clearance from their doctor.
A front-of-house staff member develops anxiety after customer aggression
A front-of-house staff member at a theatre experiences repeated customer aggression, including verbal abuse and threats. Over time, they develop anxiety and struggle with coming to work.
In response to the injury, their employer:
- provides support immediately by checking in with the worker and encouraging them to access counselling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- records the incident
- encourages them to visit their doctor or a psychologist for professional support and medical advice
- helps them make a workers compensation claim and notifies the insurer
- reassesses and reviews the risks and existing control measures related to customer aggression to prevent future injuries. For example, better crowd control measures or security.
To support the staff member’s return to work, their employer:
- works with the worker to adjust their duties according to medical advice. For example, assigning them to backstage administration tasks or daytime shifts with lower customer interaction
- implements additional measures to control the risks with customer aggression, such as de-escalation training, a duress alarm system and a buddy system
- supports them to return to full duties gradually, ensuring that the worker has a medical clearance first
- gives them ongoing support by scheduling regular check-ins.
The staff member gradually resumes their usual customer-facing duties with the additional supports in place.
A visual artist injures their back
A sculptor develops back pain while moving heavy materials for an installation. The sculptor reports the injury to their employer and submits a workers compensation claim.
The employer notifies their workers compensation insurer and works with the insurer and the sculptor’s medical provider to develop a treatment plan.
A medical certificate outlines the worker’s capabilities, including a lifting limit of 5kg.
The employer creates a return-to-work plan that adapts the worker’s duties to focus on design work during recovery.
Together, the employer and injured sculptor discuss improved lifting practices for future tasks and invest in appropriate lifting equipment and protective gear.
For employers: support for injured employees
This information only applies to employers in relation to their employees. It doesn’t apply to independent contractors or volunteers.
Help the employee get medical care
In addition to the steps above, employers need to help injured employees to access appropriate medical care. This could be a doctor or another health professional.
It’s important to get employees the care they need as soon as possible. This can feel hard to do in the arts when ‘the show must go on’. But delays with getting the right care can make injuries worse.
Workers compensation insurance
Employers must have workers compensation insurance. It is a legal requirement.
Reasonable medical expenses related to employee injuries in the workplace are usually covered by workers compensation insurance.
If an employee lodges a workers compensation claim, you must notify your insurer promptly. Follow their guidance on initiating the claim process.
Learn more about workers compensation insurance.
Support injured employees
Supporting employees who are off work after an injury is more than just a legal obligation – it helps maintain their connection with work, supports their mental health, and leads to better overall health outcomes.
It is important to:
- communicate regularly with them
- offer emotional and practical support
- assign a contact person so that they know who to talk to about their injury management and return to work.
Safe return-to-work
When it is time for an employee to return-to-work:
Identify suitable duties
Identify suitable duties that align with the employee’s capabilities.
Suitable duties are tasks that an injured worker can safely perform during recovery. These tasks are tailored to their medical restrictions and capabilities.
For example — a performer recovering from vocal strain might assist with organising costumes or stage props instead of singing or acting.
Follow medical advice
Follow any advice provided by a health professional listed in a workers compensation medical certificate about what duties are suitable
A workers compensation medical certificate is a formal document from a healthcare provider detailing an injured worker’s medical condition and outlining any limitations or recommendations for their work activities. They are different from general medical certificates as they are specifically designed to address workplace injuries.
For example — A workers compensation medical certificate for an injured dancer might specify ‘no jumping’ or ‘no lifting more than 5kg for six weeks.’
Make reasonable accommodations
Make reasonable accommodations to tasks or workplace conditions to accommodate the employee’s needs.
Reasonable accommodations are changes or modifications to the workplace or work tasks that enable the injured worker to continue performing their job safely, without placing undue hardship on the business. These can include flexible work hours to allow for attendance at medical appointments, special equipment or aids and modified duties.
For example — providing an adjustable stool for a painter with back pain or allowing flexible hours for a costume designer attending physiotherapy appointments.
Communicate about a return-to-work plan
Communicate with the employee about their return-to-work and any adjustments to their duties. Document them in a return-to-work plan.
A return-to-work plan is a structured, individualised strategy that outlines how a worker will safely transition back to their role. It includes timelines, suitable duties, and required workplace adjustments.
For example, for a technician with a shoulder injury, the plan might include three weeks of reduced lifting tasks followed by a gradual return to full duties.
The NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority has helpful templates and resources to help with return-to-work planning. (You can use these even if you’re not in NSW.)
Keep learning:
For employees: if you have been injured
Take care of your injury
Get the care you need as soon as you can. This can feel hard to do in the arts when ‘the show must go on’. But delays can make your injuries worse.
See a doctor or health care professional. Be sure to let them know how and where your injury happened. This will help them treat you properly. It will also help with paperwork for a workers compensation claim, if you decide to make one. There is information below about workers compensation.
If the workplace has their own doctor or health professional, you can still choose to visit your own.
Record and report your injury to your workplace
If your employer doesn’t already know about your injury, tell them about the incident as soon as possible.
Your workplace may have a reporting process for injuries. If you’re not sure about the process, ask them.
It’s best to report your injury in writing. If your employer has a form to fill in, complete it to make your report. Otherwise, you could make a report by email, text or having a conversation.
Your report about the incident should include:
- when it happened (the date and time)
- where it happened
- how it happened
- who witnessed it (their names and, if possible, their account of what happened)
If you need help, ask someone you trust. This could be a manager, colleague, friend or family member, or even a health professional.
Make sure you keep a copy of your report. If you made your report during a conversation, it is a good idea to keep some notes.
Safe return-to-work
When it’s time to return-to-work:
Be an active part of the process
It’s important that you actively participate in the return-to-work process. This means collaborating with your employer and healthcare provider to identify suitable duties and a recovery plan.
Provide medical certificates
Provide your employer with workers compensation medical certificates. They may have information to help your employer to help them support your recovery and make reasonable accommodations.
A workers compensation medical certificate is a formal document from a healthcare provider detailing an injured worker’s medical condition and outlining any limitations or recommendations for their work activities. These documents provide more detail than a general medical certificate. For example, a workers compensation medical certificate for an injured dancer might specify ‘no jumping’ or ‘no lifting more than 5kg for six weeks’.
Reasonable accommodations are changes or modifications to the workplace or work tasks that enable the injured worker to continue performing their job safely, without placing undue hardship on the business.
These can include flexible work hours to allow for attendance at medical appointments, special equipment or aids and modified duties. For example, providing an adjustable stool for a painter with back pain or allowing flexible hours for a costume designer attending physiotherapy appointments.
Follow medical advice
Get the medical treatment that your doctor or healthcare professionals recommend.
Not following their advice might impact your worker’s compensation claim (if you have one) or delay your recovery.
Work suitable duties
Talk with your employer about doing suitable duties that will support your recovery. These are duties that you can safety do as you recover.
They should be tailored to any medical restrictions you have and your capability. As you recover, the suitable duties you can do may change as you recover and transition back to your normal duties.
For example:
- a singer recovering from vocal strain might assist with organising costumes or stage props instead of singing
- a dancer recovering from a sprained ankle might focus on administrative tasks or non-physical rehearsal duties during recovery.
Workers compensation claims
Workers compensation is a type of insurance that provides financial and medical support to employees who are injured or become ill because of their work.
Workers compensation insurance:
- helps cover medical expenses, lost wages and rehabilitation costs
- protects your job security during recovery.
SafeWork Australia has a helpful fact sheet that explains what is workers compensation.
To be eligible for a workers compensation claim, you must:
- be injured or become ill as a direct result of your work
- report your injury or illness is to your employer promptly
- provide evidence of your injury or illness, such as medical certificates.
How to make a claim
Step 1—Notify your employer of the injury or illness as soon as possible.
Step 2—Get a workers compensation medical certificate from your doctor that details your condition and any work restrictions.
Step 3—Work with your employer to complete a workers compensation claim form.
Step 4—Give your claim form to your employer or directly to the workers compensation insurer.
For more detailed information on how to make a claim, contact the workers compensation insurance regulator in your state or territory:
Australian Capital Territory
See the information about workers compensation insurance on WorkSafe ACT’s website.
New South Wales
See the information about workers compensation insurance on NSW’s State Insurance Regulatory Authority website.
Northern Territory
See the information about workers compensation insurance on NT WorkSafe’s website.
Queensland
See the information about workers compensation insurance on WorkCover Queensland’s website.
South Australia
See the information about workers compensation insurance on ReturnToWorkSA’s website.
Tasmania
See the information about workers compensation insurance on WorkSafe Tasmania’s website.
Victoria
See the information about workers compensation insurance on WorkSafe Victoria’s website.
Western Australia
See the information about workers compensation insurance on WorkCover WA’s website.
After you make a claim
While your claim is being processed, and after it is approved, there are things you have to do:
- do what your doctor says — get the medical treatment recommended by your doctor or healthcare professionals
- give updates — keep your employer and the workers compensation insurer up-to-date. Provide them with new workers compensation medical certificates after your medical appointments and give your employer regular updates on your progress an.
- play your part in getting back to work — actively participate in the return-to-work process. Be part discussions at work about your recovery and what reasonable accommodations would help. Take on suitable duties, if recommended by your doctor.
Independent contractors: if you have been injured
If you are an independent contractor and you have been injured at a workplace, your access to financial and medical support will depend on:
- your individual work arrangements
- what insurance you have.
Seek medical treatment
You should seek medical care as soon as possible.
Keep all records of your injury, medical treatment, and any related expenses.
Check your own insurance coverage
Many independent contractors carry their own income protection, health insurance, or personal accident insurance.
These may help cover medical costs and lost income.
Check if you are covered by a workers’ compensation scheme
You could still be covered by the workers compensation insurance of the business you are working for even as an independent contractor.
Some independent contractors are covered by workers compensation insurance arrangements as deemed workers.
A deemed worker is defined by the relevant workers compensation insurance legislation that applies in each state or territory. Some states only deem certain types of contractors as workers for workers compensation. For example, if the contractor works in a particular occupation.
Check with the relevant workers compensation scheme in your state or territory whether you are covered, or with the business you are working for. Their contact details are on our workers compensation insurance page.
Consider a public liability claim
If your injury was caused by the business where you were working, you may be able to make a claim under their public liability insurance.
Public liability insurance usually only covers medical expenses and not lost wages.
Seek legal or financial advice if needed
If you are uncertain about what financial support you can access, consider speaking with a lawyer or insurance specialist about your options. Find contact details for legal support and information.
Volunteers: if you have been injured
If you are a volunteer and you are injured while carrying out unpaid work, your access to financial assistance will depend on the workplace’s insurance policies.
Most volunteers are not covered by workers compensation insurance, but there are some limited exceptions depending on the work of the volunteer (eg emergency services) and relevant state workers compensation insurance laws.
Seek medical treatment
Get medical treatment as soon as possible and keep records of your injury and treatment costs.
Ask for workplace support
The business or organisation where you were volunteering may still offer informal support.
For example, they may help with treatment costs or adjusting future tasks to accommodate your recovery.
Check if the workplace has volunteer insurance
Some organisations have volunteer insurance that may help cover medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
Ask the business or event organiser if they have insurance coverage for volunteers.
Consider a public liability claim
If your injury was caused by negligence or unsafe conditions in the workplace, you may be able to claim compensation through their public liability insurance.
Public liability insurance usually only covers medical expenses, not lost income or time away from other commitments.
Look into government or community support
If your injury has long-term effects, you may be eligible for government-funded healthcare or disability benefits.
More in this section:
About workplace injuries and incidents
There are important actions to take if there is a safety incident or injury in the workplace.
Dealing with a workplace incident
There are important actions to take if there is a safety incident in the workplace, including responding immediately to keep everyone safe and complying with the law.
