Regardless of whether you work in your employer’s premises or from your home, your employer is responsible for providing a safe workplace.

And if you are injured at home in the course of your work, you are entitled to claim Workers compensation.

If your injury arises out of or in the course of your employment or while performing any activity that is incidental to your employment, you will be eligible for WorkCover compensation.

The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 is a no fault system and it is irrelevant whether your employer conducts an audit, or you do a self-assessment of your home to see whether or not there might be unacceptable risk, you are still entitled to claim Workers compensation.

The process for injuries that occur whilst working from home is precisely the same as an injury that occurs within the workplace.

Firstly attend your doctor, who will issue you with a Certificate of Capacity if you are unable to work due to the work related injury. You need certificates of capacity to claim for loss of income (weekly payments). The first certificate of capacity can cover up to the first 14 days of work capacity. Each subsequent certificate of capacity can cover up to 28 days. Apart from the first certificate, the worker declaration needs to be completed and signed.

Secondly, make sure that you notify your employer of the injury. Notification is deemed to be given if the worker completes the Employer Register of Injuries book, or lodges a WorkCover Claim form upon the employer within 30 days of the worker becoming aware of the injury.

Complete the worker's injury claim form and give it to your employer along with your Certificate of Capacity. Your employer must acknowledge that they've received the claim form from you. Claim forms can be downloaded from the WorkSafe Victoria web site or can be picked up from any Australia Post outlet.

For Further information contact CPSU WorkCover Services Officer Geoff Lewin on 9639-1822.