Minister's foreword
"The NSW Government strongly believes the lives of workers must be priority number one for businesses. No excuses and no exceptions.
The Government has put work heath and safety front and centre, with zero tolerance for those who put the lives and safety of workers at risk. We are committed to ensuring workers are protected through education, awareness and cooperation between Government, industry, unions and the public.
I am proud to be the first Minister in NSW to hold both the Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety portfolios and will use my position to champion the importance of safety in the workplace.
I congratulate the Family and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group for this valuable initiative and important resource.
This guide provides clear and easy-to-understand advice for those who have been seriously injured and includes practical information about navigating workers compensation and support services."
Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Work Health and Safety
What will happen after a serious incident
Investigations by SafeWork NSW are most commonly undertaken in response to workplace incidents that result in the serious or fatal injury of workers, but may also be in response to dangerous occurrences, serious safety risks or work–related illnesses.
The process begins when SafeWork NSW is notified of a workplace incident.
SafeWork NSW will triage the incident to determine an appropriate response. Inspector(s) will take action to address immediate safety concerns and commence collecting information about the incident.
This information is then reviewed by SafeWork NSW to determine a regulatory response.
If an investigation proceeds, a brief of evidence will be prepared to determine whether a breach of work health and safety laws has occurred.
A legal review of the evidence collected is undertaken and an assessment is made as to whether an alleged breach of work health and safety laws has occurred, and what is the appropriate enforcement response. This can include progressing to a prosecution, issuing warning letters or taking no further action. If a decision is made to prosecute under WHS legislation, legal proceedings are commenced with charges being filed against the defendants.
For more information about incident responses and investigations, visit the SafeWork NSW Customer Service Standard.
Workers compensation
icare (Insurance and Care NSW) is a government organisation that delivers insurance and care services to people with work-related injuries under the NSW workers compensation scheme.
Workers compensation insurance supports eligible workers to help them recover from a work-related injury or illness. This support can include (but is not limited to):
- weekly compensation payments while a worker is unable to work at their pre-injury capacity
- medical and hospital expenses
- domestic assistance
- new employment assistance
- education or training assistance, and
- a range of programs to help the worker recover at/return to work.
Visit the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) website for information about what to do after an injury.
If you are an employer or other provider and need assistance call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.
Visit the icare website for information about workers compensation, including entitlements.
If you are a worker and need further assistance you can call the Independent Review office (IRO) on 13 94 76.
Support
It is important that you look after yourself while you recover. There is support available for you and your family.
Practitioners such as counsellors and psychologists, physiotherapists and return to work coordinators can help you to:
- talk about your injury and the impact it has had on you and your family
- obtain the support you need to recover
- assist with physical issues
- assist you to return to work with guidance from your treating specialists.
You may also like to talk to your doctor to seek help dealing with the injury. By talking to your doctor, you may be eligible for assistance with the cost of some mental health treatments. Find information about mental health care at the Services Australia website.
Financial support
If you need immediate financial assistance, contact your nearest Centrelink office, or visit the website.
Consider if you need to contact your bank or financial institution to discuss your short-term options or your mortgage or personal loan payments.
Financial counsellors are available to help and will provide support and advice. For free financial counselling advice contact the Financial Counsellors Association of NSW on 1300 914 408 or visit the website.
Online support
Visit the Family and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group page to find resources about how to support your mental wellbeing as well as information and support programs.
Assistance in your language
If you are looking for an interpreter or translator, NAATI have a directory of providers. You can also access these services at TIS National Services or by calling 131 450.