Schools can now visit the Policy and Advisory Library (PAL) for this information. This page will remain in this location but will be for corporate staff only. School staff should use PAL for all policy, procedures and other operational information.
The Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) is responsible for administering the Victorian Workers' Compensation Scheme. The VWA currently has five authorised Workers' Compensation Agents who perform most of the functions associated with managing claims. The legislative basis for the Workers' Compensation Scheme is the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (WIRCA) 2013.
The Workers' Compensation scheme is a ‘no fault’ work related injury compensation scheme. This means that a worker's entitlement to compensation is not a question of who was responsible for the injury, but is determined by whether the injury was employment related, according to the provisions of the WIRCA.
The key objective of the scheme is to ensure that the social and economic costs of workplace injuries and illnesses are minimised by:
Improving the health and safety of people at work and the rehabilitation of injured employees
Ensuring that injured employees receive appropriate entitlements as compensation for workplace injuries
Ensuring that employers provide suitable employment for employees who have been injured at work
Ensuring employers contribute equitably to the costs of the scheme through the payment of Workers' Compensation premiums
Department employees are entitled to make a workers' compensation claim in the event of an injury being sustained in the course of their employment.
Return to Work Portal
For many people, being at work isn't just a job; it's also about being part of a team or achieving a sense of satisfaction through the work that they do. Being away from work due to injury or a work-related illness can be disruptive and even distressing.
The Department is committed to safely helping injured employees get back to work. There is a mutual obligation between an employee and their manager to discuss business continuity and return to work planning immediately after an injury. This can provide peace of mind that a plan is in place.
For more information, talk to your Return to Work Coordinator. Support for Return to Work Coordinators can be accessed through the Workers' Compensation Advisory Line on (03) 9637 2441.
For more information, see: Return to Work Coordinator Portal
Caring for our injured staff members
Workers' compensation claims data show that the longer an employee remains injured and away from work, the greater potential there is for secondary conditions, such as mental injury. We also know that the sooner a workplace can become involved in providing assistance with a staff member's recovery the sooner they will be back at work supporting students through continuity of learning.
The Return to Work and Compensation team have developed an Injury and Illness Management Framework to assist workplace managers navigate this process. The framework acts as a practical guide for early intervention, providing tips on supporting injured staff members along with return to work and rehabilitation whilst clearly defining roles and responsibilities for each staff member.
For more information see: Employee Injury Management Framework
Return to Work and Workers' Compensation Training