COVID-19 Coverage of Injury & Disease
Contracting COVID-19 at work
COVID-19 is compensable if, and only if, it has been contracted in the course of employment and the employment is a significant contributing factor to the contraction of the disease.
As exposure to COVID-19 can occur in public settings, questions may arise as to the exact time and place of contracting the virus. As a result, it may be difficult to determine that employment was a significant contributing factor.
The claims process for COVID-19 is no different to any other workers’ compensation claim. Each claim is considered on its individual merits, having regard to the individual circumstances and relevant evidence.
If a person diagnosed with COVID-19 wishes to make a workers’ compensation claim, please refer to WorkCover WA’s website for relevant information on how to make a claim.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, WorkCover WA encourages all stakeholders to exercise all precautions. Refer to the Department of Health website for practical measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
Injury whilst working at home
In response to attempts to minimise exposure to and the spread of COVID-19 many workers are working from home (either directed by employers or government authorities and/or choose this option if available).
Workers are generally covered for workers’ compensation when they are working from home. Whether a worker is entitled to compensation for an injury suffered whilst working from home will depend on whether the injury arose out of or in the course of employment or whilst the worker is acting under the employer’s instructions.
Each claim is considered on its individual merits, having regard to factual and medical circumstances and relevant evidence.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, WorkCover WA encourages all stakeholders to exercise all precautions. Refer to the Department of Health website for practical measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
