What are the general duties of an employer when it comes to workers compensation?

• Employers cannot refuse a claim for workers compensation. When employers receive a claim for workers compensation they must:
  • promptly notify their insurer;
  • promptly notify the safety regulator for their state or territory if the incident involved a serious injury;
  • provide the employee with information about their rights under the law;
  • keep appropriate records such as:
    • wage records;
    • incident reports; and
    • injury monitoring reports;
  • comply with any company rehabilitation policies; and
  • pay benefits to the employee that includes an initial payment to the employee upon lodging a workers compensation claim (the excess) as well as weekly payments once the claim is approved.
• Serious injuries include but are not limited to:
  • injuries that require immediate medical or hospital treatment;
  • amputation;
  • electric shock; and
  • spinal injuries.