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One-page checklist for NSW managers: steps from an injury report to notifying the insurer within 48 hours

Printable checklist· NSW

When a Worker Reports an Injury: A Manager’s Checklist for NSW

What to do, in order, from the moment a worker says they are hurt.

Download the Checklist (A4)

v2 — October 2026 · Updated

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Full Text

What to Do When a Worker Reports an Injury

When a worker reports an injury

For managers, supervisors and HR in NSW workplaces. Work down the page in order, tick each box and write the date beside it. Keep the sheet with your injury records. Record at the top: the worker, the date and time reported, the insurer and the claim number.

Day 0

When it is reported

  • Make them safeStop the task, give first aid, and call 000 in an emergency.
  • Record itWrite down the date, time, place, what they were doing and who saw it.
  • Get them medical careHelp them see a doctor. A medical practitioner writes the first certificate.

Within 48 hours

Tell the insurer

  • Notify your insurerTell your workers compensation insurer about the injury within 48 hours.
  • Give the insurer the detailsThe worker's name and contact details, what happened, any certificate.
  • Give the worker the claim numberTell them you've notified the insurer; share its name and the claim number.

First week

Certificate and duties

  • Certificate receivedFile the SIRA Certificate of Capacity and share a copy with your insurer.
  • Suitable duties discussedTalk through duties that fit the certificate, and note what you agreed.
  • Contact keptAgree when you will check in, and keep in touch while they recover.

What the insurer does next. Provisional weekly payments begin within 7 days, for up to 12 weeks, unless the insurer has a reasonable excuse. Questions about a specific claim go to your insurer.

This checklist describes process only. It is not legal advice, and it is not a SIRA or insurer form.

Need the worker seen by a doctor?

(02) 7238 7379

Call us and we'll book the worker in with a WorkCover doctor, who can complete the Certificate of Capacity where clinically appropriate. Billed to the insurer on accepted claims.

Sources printed on it

The 48-Hour Insurer Notification

A one-page process checklist for the manager or supervisor who takes the report. It follows the NSW process step by step, including telling your insurer within 48 hours, so nothing is missed on a busy day. It describes the process; it does not give advice.

Who Uses It

Managers, supervisors, HR and WHS staff, in private businesses and public-sector workplaces.

  • Employers
  • Government

What Is on the Checklist

  • Tick-box steps from the first report to notifying the insurer
  • The 48-hour insurer notification step, with its SIRA source
  • Space to record dates and who was told
Questions

Questions About the Checklist

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