Glossary
Workers Compensation (NSW)
The NSW scheme that pays for treatment, income support and return-to-work help when someone is injured or made ill through their job.
Also called: Workers comp · WorkCover
Definition
The NSW scheme that supports workers injured or made ill in the course of their employment. It is established under state workers compensation law and regulated by SIRA. Employers hold a policy and pay premiums; in return, an injured worker can receive weekly payments, cover for reasonably necessary medical and related treatment, and help to return to work. Most claims sit with the Nominal Insurer, administered by icare and managed day to day by a scheme agent, while self-insurers and specialised insurers run parallel arrangements.
In practice
A claim usually starts when a worker reports an injury and the employer notifies the insurer. Once the scheme agent accepts the claim and a certificate of capacity is in place, a SIRA-approved workplace rehabilitation provider can be brought in. Nexus coordinates return to work from that point — liaising with the nominated treating doctor, employer and insurer on suitable duties — and does not provide any medical treatment.