Western Australia Act

Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA)

Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 sets workers compensation and return-to-work rules in Western Australia.

In forceWestern Australia4 practical checks

Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Check the linked official source before you rely on a specific section, and get advice for your situation.

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Quick read

Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 is the local workers compensation framework for Western Australia.
For small businesses, it is about insurance, injury notification, wage and medical-cost claims, rehabilitation, return to work and records.

Likely relevant if

Employers with workers in Western Australia
Businesses hiring employees, apprentices, labour hire workers or working directors
Businesses managing return-to-work plans after an injury

Check first

Check whether the business must hold a workers compensation policy.
Notify injuries and forward claims within the required timeframes.
Support return-to-work planning and suitable duties where required.

What happens if you get it wrong

Penalties & enforcement

Risks include uninsured liability, penalties for failing to insure or notify, claims disputes, premium issues and regulator action.

Enforced by WorkCover WA

When this shows up in real life

1
Hiring a first employee
Check policy registration before the employee starts, not after an injury happens.
2
A worker is injured
Record what happened, arrange support, notify the insurer or regulator where required and keep communication calm and documented.
3
Planning a return to work
Match duties to medical capacity, keep records of adjustments and coordinate with the worker, insurer and treating practitioner where relevant.

Plain-English glossary

Work injury: An injury or illness connected with work in a way covered by the local compensation scheme.
Return to work: The process of helping an injured worker recover and safely resume suitable duties.
Premium: The insurance cost employers may pay to cover workers compensation liabilities.

Common questions

Is this different from WHS law?

Yes. WHS law focuses on preventing harm. Workers compensation law deals with insurance, claims and return-to-work obligations after a work injury.

Do small employers need workers compensation insurance?

Often yes, depending on the jurisdiction, worker type and business structure. Check the regulator guidance before hiring.

How Sprintlaw can help

Employment Contract Regulatory Compliance

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Quick read

Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 is the local workers compensation framework for Western Australia.
For small businesses, it is about insurance, injury notification, wage and medical-cost claims, rehabilitation, return to work and records.

Likely relevant if

Employers with workers in Western Australia
Businesses hiring employees, apprentices, labour hire workers or working directors
Businesses managing return-to-work plans after an injury

Check first

Check whether the business must hold a workers compensation policy.
Notify injuries and forward claims within the required timeframes.
Support return-to-work planning and suitable duties where required.

When this shows up in real life

1
Hiring a first employee
Check policy registration before the employee starts, not after an injury happens.
2
A worker is injured
Record what happened, arrange support, notify the insurer or regulator where required and keep communication calm and documented.
3
Planning a return to work
Match duties to medical capacity, keep records of adjustments and coordinate with the worker, insurer and treating practitioner where relevant.

Common questions

Is this different from WHS law?

Yes. WHS law focuses on preventing harm. Workers compensation law deals with insurance, claims and return-to-work obligations after a work injury.

Do small employers need workers compensation insurance?

Often yes, depending on the jurisdiction, worker type and business structure. Check the regulator guidance before hiring.

Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA)

Start here

What happens if you get it wrong

When this shows up in real life

Plain-English glossary

Common questions

Related topics

How Sprintlaw can help

Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA)

Start here

What happens if you get it wrong

When this shows up in real life

Plain-English glossary

Common questions

Related topics

How Sprintlaw can help