Workers compensation south Australia guide 2026
A practical, plain-English guide for small business owners and managers (plus a worker-friendly walkthrough)
Updated 21 Jan 2026 • SA scheme info current as of publication • Based on Return to Work Act 2014
Written by
Steve Harris
Emergency first
If there's a serious injury or danger to life, call 000 first. Workers compensation claims come after everyone is safe.
This guide provides general information about South Australia's workers' compensation scheme and related workplace laws as at the date of publication.
It does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, payroll, HR, or medical advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Workers' compensation rules can change (including through legislative updates) and benefit calculations depend on details like injury date, earnings history, and employment terms. Always check the latest official guidance and get professional advice where needed.
No liability: RosterElf Pty Ltd, its directors, employees, and authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense (whether direct, indirect, consequential, or otherwise) arising from or in connection with reliance on the information in this guide.
Quick summary for time-poor owners
If you only skim one section, make it this.
- South Australia's workers' compensation scheme is set by the Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) and administered by ReturnToWorkSA (formerly WorkCover Corporation).
- The scheme provides income support (100% of average weekly earnings for first 52 weeks, then 80% for next 52 weeks, up to 104 weeks maximum), medical expenses, and rehabilitation support.
- Most employers are registered with ReturnToWorkSA and use registered claims agents like EML or Gallagher Bassett to manage claims.
- Most common claim type: musculoskeletal injuries (strains, sprains, back injuries) are the biggest category in SA, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and construction.
- If a worker is injured, they must notify their employer immediately, see a doctor, and lodge a claim within 6 months of the injury or becoming aware of it.
- Employers must forward claims to their claims agent, who must then determine the claim within 10 business days (or start interim payments).
- Return-to-work planning is mandatory if a worker is off for more than 4 weeks.
What is workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance scheme that provides support to workers who are injured or become ill because of their work. In South Australia, it's designed to:
- Replace lost income while a worker recovers
- Pay for medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Support workers to return to work safely
- Provide lump sum payments for permanent impairment in some cases
The key principle is "no-fault" — a worker doesn't need to prove their employer was negligent to receive benefits (though this also means workers generally can't sue for damages except in specific circumstances).
WorkCover vs workers compensation in SA
These terms get mixed up constantly
Understanding the difference between "workers compensation", "WorkCover", and "ReturnToWorkSA" is essential for navigating the SA system.
Workers' compensation (the "scheme")
This is the SA system that sets the rules for:
- insurance coverage requirements
- claim entitlements (weekly payments, medical, rehab)
- permanent impairment assessments and lump sums
- return-to-work obligations
- reviews and appeals
ReturnToWorkSA (the "scheme administrator")
ReturnToWorkSA (previously called WorkCover Corporation) is the statutory body that:
- administers the SA workers' compensation scheme
- registers employers and sets premiums
- oversees claims agents who manage day-to-day claims
- provides return-to-work services and support
Claims agents (EML, gallagher Bassett)
For registered employers, ReturnToWorkSA appoints claims agents who:
- receive and assess claims
- make claim decisions (accept/deny)
- pay weekly benefits and medical expenses
- coordinate return-to-work planning
The two main claims agents in SA are EML and Gallagher Bassett.
Who is covered in south Australia
Employers: who must be registered?
If you employ workers in South Australia, you must register with ReturnToWorkSA and maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage.
Coverage includes
- Full-time, part-time, and casual employees
- Contractors (in some circumstances)
- Apprentices and trainees
- Working directors (if they elect to be covered)
Workers: who can make a claim?
A workers' compensation claim generally requires:
- you are a "worker" under the Act, and
- your work was a substantial cause of the injury or illness
Self-employed and contractors
Sole traders, company directors, and contractors are generally not automatically covered. However, they can elect to register for voluntary coverage with ReturnToWorkSA.
What injuries and illnesses are covered
South Australian workers' compensation can cover many types of work-related injuries and illnesses, including:
- Physical injuries (cuts, fractures, burns)
- Musculoskeletal injuries (strains, sprains, back injuries)
- Gradual onset injuries (repetitive strain, hearing loss)
- Occupational diseases (asbestosis, silicosis)
- Psychological injuries (stress, anxiety, PTSD from work events)
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions (where work substantially contributed)
Common exclusions
- Injuries not caused by work
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Injuries arising from serious and wilful misconduct
- Psychological injuries solely caused by reasonable management action
- Journey claims (travelling to/from work) except in specific circumstances
Most common workers compensation claims in SA
Based on SafeWork SA and ReturnToWorkSA data, the most common types of claims are:
1. Musculoskeletal injuries
Strains, sprains, and back injuries from manual handling, repetitive movements, or awkward postures. Most common in healthcare, aged care, manufacturing, and warehousing.
2. Traumatic injuries
Cuts, fractures, and crush injuries from accidents with machinery, tools, or equipment. Common in construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
3. Psychological injuries
Work-related stress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD from traumatic events, bullying, or high-pressure environments. Increasing in prevalence across all industries.
WorkCover claim SA: how to make a claim (6 steps)
1 Get immediate medical help
See a doctor as soon as possible. Obtain a medical certificate detailing your injury, treatment needed, and work capacity (whether you can work, need modified duties, or need time off).
2 Notify your employer immediately
Tell your employer or supervisor about the injury as soon as possible. Key details to provide:
- Date, time, and location of injury
- How the injury occurred
- Any witnesses
- Parts of body affected
3 Complete a WorkCover claim form
Fill out a workers' compensation claim form. Your employer should provide this, or you can get it from ReturnToWorkSA's website. Include:
- Personal details and employment information
- Injury details and circumstances
- Medical information and certificates
- Banking details for payments
4 Lodge with your employer's claims agent
Submit your claim to your employer's registered claims agent (usually EML or Gallagher Bassett). Your employer can tell you which claims agent manages their account.
Time limit: Claims must be lodged within 6 months of the injury or becoming aware of the injury.
5 Claims agent forwards to ReturnToWorkSA
The claims agent must forward your claim to ReturnToWorkSA within 5 business days of receiving it. This ensures the scheme administrator has visibility of all claims.
6 Claim determination (10 business days)
The claims agent has 10 business days to make a decision on your claim. They may contact you, your employer, your doctor, or witnesses for more information.
If they can't decide within 10 days, they must start making interim weekly payments while they investigate further.
Claim checklist generator
Get a personalized checklist with key deadlines based on your role:
Worker checklist:
WorkCover claim time limit SA
Don't miss the 6-month window
Claims must generally be lodged within 6 months of the date of injury or the date you first became aware that your condition was work-related. Missing this deadline can result in your claim being rejected.
When does the 6-month clock start?
The time limit starts from:
- For sudden injuries: The date the injury occurred
- For gradual onset: The date you first became aware the condition was work-related (e.g., when a doctor told you your back pain was likely caused by work)
- For psychological injuries: The date you first became aware the condition was work-related
Late claims
ReturnToWorkSA may accept late claims if there's a reasonable excuse for the delay. Examples might include:
- You didn't realize the injury was work-related until later
- You were incapacitated and unable to lodge
- Your employer misled you about your rights
However, relying on an exception is risky. Always lodge as soon as possible.
Time limit checker
Check whether you're within the 6-month time limit for lodging a WorkCover claim in SA:
WorkCover SA payments: what can be covered
Weekly income support payments
If you can't work due to a work injury, you may receive weekly payments to replace lost income:
| Time period | Payment rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First 52 weeks | 100% of average weekly earnings (AWE) | Subject to maximum limits |
| Weeks 53-104 | 80% of average weekly earnings (AWE) | Subject to maximum limits |
| After 104 weeks | Generally ceases | Extensions possible in limited circumstances |
Important notes on weekly payments
- Weekly payments are taxable income
- Maximum limits are indexed annually
- Payments reduce if you can work partial hours
- 104-week maximum is cumulative across your lifetime for the same injury
Medical and rehabilitation expenses
WorkCover SA can cover reasonable and necessary:
- Doctor and specialist consultations
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology
- Medications and medical equipment
- Hospital and surgical costs
- Rehabilitation programs
- Travel to medical appointments (subject to distance rules)
Lump sum payments (permanent impairment)
If your injury results in permanent impairment, you may be eligible for a lump sum payment. The amount depends on the degree of impairment assessed by an accredited medical specialist.
Return to work SA: employer and worker obligations
Return to work is a core focus of SA's scheme. Both employers and workers have legal obligations to support safe and sustainable return to work.
When return-to-work planning is required
If a worker is off work for more than 4 weeks due to a work injury, the employer must develop a return-to-work plan in consultation with the worker, their doctor, and the claims agent.
Employer obligations
1. Provide suitable duties
Employers must provide suitable duties consistent with the worker's medical restrictions. This might include modified hours, lighter tasks, or different responsibilities.
2. Develop a return-to-work plan
Work with the injured worker, their doctor, and claims agent to create a written plan outlining duties, hours, and any workplace modifications.
3. Maintain contact
Keep regular, supportive contact with the injured worker. This helps them feel connected to the workplace and supported during recovery.
4. Cooperate with claims agent
Respond promptly to requests for information and participate in return-to-work meetings.
Worker obligations
Injured workers also have obligations under the Act:
- Participate in return-to-work planning
- Make reasonable efforts to return to work
- Accept suitable duties offered by the employer
- Attend medical appointments and follow treatment plans
- Keep the employer and claims agent informed of their progress
Employer compliance plan (SA)
1. Register with ReturnToWorkSA
All SA employers with workers must register with ReturnToWorkSA and maintain current registration and insurance coverage.
2. Know your claims agent
Understand which claims agent (usually EML or Gallagher Bassett) manages claims for your business. Keep their contact details accessible.
3. Report injuries within 5 days
When a worker lodges a claim, forward it to your claims agent immediately. The claims agent must then forward to ReturnToWorkSA within 5 business days.
4. Maintain accurate records
Keep detailed records of:
- Incident reports and witness statements
- Medical certificates
- Communication with the worker and claims agent
- Return-to-work plans and progress
5. Develop return-to-work plans (if >4 weeks off)
If a worker is off work for more than 4 weeks, you must develop a return-to-work plan in consultation with the worker, their doctor, and your claims agent.
6. Pay your premium on time
ReturnToWorkSA calculates your premium based on your industry classification and claims history. Pay premiums by the due date to maintain coverage.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Missing the 6-month time limit: Claims must be lodged within 6 months of injury or awareness. Don't delay—late claims may be rejected.
Not notifying employer immediately: Delayed notification can hurt your claim credibility. Report injuries as soon as they happen.
Failing to develop return-to-work plans: If a worker is off >4 weeks, a return-to-work plan is mandatory. Missing this can result in penalties.
Poor record keeping: Without detailed incident reports, medical certificates, and communication logs, claims become harder to manage and disputes harder to resolve.
Not understanding the difference between ReturnToWorkSA, claims agents, and the scheme: Know who does what—ReturnToWorkSA administers the scheme, claims agents manage claims.
Assuming all contractors are automatically covered: Contractors are generally not covered unless they've elected voluntary coverage. Check registration status.
Key contacts: ReturnToWorkSA & claims agents
ReturnToWorkSA
Scheme administrator for SA workers' compensation
- Website: www.rtwsa.com
- Phone: 13 18 55
EML (Employers mutual Limited)
Registered claims agent for SA employers
- Website: www.eml.com.au
- Phone: 1300 365 105
Gallagher bassett
Registered claims agent for SA employers
- Website: www.gallagherbassett.com.au
- Phone: 1300 826 658
SafeWork SA
Workplace health and safety regulator
- Website: www.safework.sa.gov.au
- Phone: 1300 365 255
Sources and update notes
Primary sources used for this guide:
- ReturnToWorkSA: official guidance on claims, payments, employer obligations, and return-to-work requirements.
- Law Handbook SA: workers' compensation rights and procedures.
- SafeWork SA: workplace safety and injury prevention guidance.
- Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) and associated regulations.
Frequently asked questions
- Workers compensation in SA is managed by ReturnToWorkSA (formerly WorkCover Corporation). When a worker is injured, they notify their employer, see a doctor, and lodge a claim. If accepted, they receive income support (100% of average weekly earnings for first 52 weeks, 80% for next 52 weeks) and medical expense coverage. Claims must be lodged within 6 months.
- You must (1) notify your employer as soon as possible, and (2) lodge a claim with your employer's claims agent within 6 months of the injury or becoming aware of the injury.
- Workers compensation is the SA scheme and legal framework. ReturnToWorkSA (previously called WorkCover Corporation) is the government body that administers the scheme. Most employers use registered claims agents (EML, Gallagher Bassett) to manage claims.
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