Employer Doesn’t Want Me to Report My Work Injury: What Should I Do?

It is an unfortunate fact that some employers will put pressure on an employee to not file a claim or make a report following a workplace injury.

This kind of pressure can come in many forms, but it is important to remember that you are entitled to file a WorkCover claim, and your employer is legally required to report a notifiable incident to the WHSQ and to notify WorkCover of the incident even if you don't intend to make a claim.

Remember that all businesses in Queensland that employ workers are required by law to provide insurance against workplace accidents, either with WorkCover Queensland or by becoming a licensed self-insurer.

It is an unfortunate fact that some employers will put pressure on an employee to not file a claim or make a report following a workplace injury. This kind of pressure can come in many forms, but it is important to remember that you are entitled to file a WorkCover claim, and your employer is legally required to report a notifiable incident to the WHSQ and to notify WorkCover of the incident even if you don't intend to make a claim.

Remember that all businesses in Queensland that employ workers are required by law to provide insurance against workplace accidents, either with WorkCover Queensland or by becoming a licensed self-insurer.

If your employer is putting undue pressure on you to not report the incident, seek independent legal advice.  This type of behaviour is against the law and must be handled carefully.

Injured? Get expert advice now: Smith's are Queensland's only 100% risk-free injury compensation lawyers. Insist on our 'No Win. No Fee. No Catch' ® promise. Check your rights with no risk or obligations now and talk direct to our Principal lawyer, Greg Smith. Call 1800 266 801 OR  check if you can claim

Other concerns regarding your employer: demotion, reduced hours, or even termination

Many people express concerns about losing their job or receiving less favourable working conditions because of a workplace injury claim or report.
Laws regarding workers' compensation have been put in place to ensure that employees cannot be terminated from their employment as a direct result of a work-related injury for a period of 12 months following the injury.


In addition, workers' compensation laws prohibit employers from engaging in other types of unfair treatment against an employee as a result of sustaining or filing a report relating to a work-related injury, for example:

• Denying an injured worker an advancement opportunity;
• Suspending, demoting, or terminated an employee following a workers' compensation claim;
• Restricting or reducing pay or hours of work following a workers' compensation claim.

Strict time limits apply - seek legal advice ASAP - In most circumstances, the time limit to start a compensation claim is 3 years from the date of incident. Some processes need to be started much sooner. Seek expert legal advice ASAP. Call us on 1800 266 801 or start a live chat.