How Long Do I Have to Report a Workplace Injury to My Employer in Victoria?

When a workplace injury happens, it’s completely normal to feel confused or overwhelmed. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, strained your back lifting something heavy, developed wrist pain from repetitive tasks, or experienced stress or anxiety from toxic behaviour at work, the question many workers ask is: “How long do I have to report this to my employer?”

It might seem like a simple question, but the answer matters a lot. In Victoria, while WorkCover is designed to support injured workers, strict rules and timelines still apply — and not knowing them can delay or even complicate your claim. This guide explains the key timelines, what counts as “reporting,” what to do if you miss the window, and why acting quickly is essential for your health, your rights, and your ability to receive WorkCover benefits.

Whether you live in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, regional Victoria, or work on job sites across the state, this article is written for you — in clear, relatable language — so you know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to protect your WorkCover claim from the very beginning.

Table of Contents

• 1. Understanding the Reporting Requirements in Victoria
• 2. How Long You Have to Report a Workplace Injury
• 3. Why Reporting Quickly Is So Important
• 4. What If You’re Not Sure You’re Injured Yet?
• 5. Time Limits for Different Types of Injuries
• 6. Reporting Psychological Injuries and Stress-Related Conditions
• 7. Reporting Occupational Diseases or Long-Term Conditions
• 8. Reporting an Injury vs. Lodging a WorkCover Claim — What’s the Difference?
• 9. How to Report a Workplace Injury to Your Employer
• 10. What Evidence Should You Provide When Reporting?
• 11. What Happens If You Report the Injury Late?
• 12. What If Your Employer Refuses to Take Your Report?
• 13. When You Should Seek Legal Advice
• 14. Final Thoughts — Where to Get Help (Hymans Legal)

1. Understanding the Reporting Requirements in Victoria

Under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013, Victorian workers are required to report workplace injuries to their employer “as soon as practicable.” This doesn’t mean immediately at the moment of injury — but it does mean you shouldn’t delay without a good reason.

While early reporting is essential, WorkSafe Victoria recognises that not all injuries are obvious straight away. Some injuries build up gradually, some worsen over time, and psychological injuries often take weeks or months to recognise.

The key principle is: you must report the injury as soon as you reasonably can, based on when you realised it was work-related.

2. How Long You Have to Report a Workplace Injury

In most cases, you should report a workplace injury to your employer within 30 days. This is the standard timeframe used in Victoria for notifying employers of work-related injuries.

However, understanding how this rule works in practice is important:

• If you are physically injured in an incident or accident, you should report it the same day or as soon as physically possible.
• If your injury develops over time (e.g., repetitive strain, gradual back pain), the 30-day period usually starts from when you first realised the injury was connected to work.
• If you develop a psychological injury, the 30 days generally starts from when you became aware your mental health symptoms were work-related.

Important: Even if the 30-day period has passed, you may still be able to report the injury — and your claim may still be accepted — if you have a reasonable explanation for the delay.

3. Why Reporting Quickly Is So Important

You may think, “My injury might get better, maybe I’ll wait.” But reporting sooner protects both your health and your legal position.

Here’s why quick reporting matters:

• Faster access to treatment. Once WorkCover is involved, your medical costs may be covered sooner.
• Protects your rights. Insurers look closely at late-reported injuries and may question the connection to work.
• Provides a clear record. Early reporting creates a timeline that supports your claim later.
• Prevents disputes. Delays often lead to arguments between employers, insurers and workers.
• Helps prevent further injury. Your employer can fix hazards or provide safer duties.

Even if you think the injury is minor or might improve on its own, reporting it ensures you have support if it worsens over time.

4. What If You’re Not Sure You’re Injured Yet?

Many workers don’t want to “make a big deal” of something. They feel unsure or worried they’ll look dramatic. For example:

• a small back twinge during lifting
• a mild wrist ache after long hours typing
• a stressful encounter with a supervisor that still feels upsetting the next day

If you’re unsure, it’s still wise to report what happened. You can say something like: “This occurred at work today — I’m not sure how serious it is yet, but I’m noting it in case it gets worse.”

Not reporting early is one of the most common reasons WorkCover insurers dispute claims later.

5. Time Limits for Different Types of Injuries

Different injuries have different reporting expectations. Here’s a clearer breakdown:

? Sudden Physical Injuries

Report immediately or within 24 hours if possible. Examples:

• falls
• sprains and strains
• cuts or lacerations
• machine accidents
• chemical burns

? Gradual or Repetitive Injuries

Report within 30 days of noticing symptoms, especially if they worsen over time.

? Psychological Injuries

Report as soon as you realise the symptoms are work-related. These often take longer to understand and identify.

? Workplace Diseases

These can take months or years to develop. The timeline usually starts when you’re:

• diagnosed
• made aware of possible work connection
• symptoms become significant

Examples include:

• asthma from dust or chemicals
• hearing loss
• skin conditions from irritants
• long-term respiratory issues

6. Reporting Psychological Injuries and Stress-Related Conditions

Psychological injuries often develop differently from physical injuries. Workers may feel uncertain, embarrassed, or fear judgement. Some don’t understand the symptoms until they become severe.

Common work-related psychological injuries include:

• anxiety
• depression
• PTSD
• stress-related disorders
• burnout
• adjustment disorders

When reporting a psychological injury, explain:

• the incidents or behaviours affecting you
• dates or approximate timelines
• how your symptoms have changed
• whether you’ve sought professional help

Because insurers scrutinise psychological claims more heavily, timely reporting is very important. If in doubt, speak to a WorkCover lawyer such as Hymans Legal early.

7. Reporting Occupational Diseases or Long-Term Conditions

Some conditions arise from long-term exposure at work, not one specific incident.

These may include:

• lung conditions from dust or chemicals
• noise-induced hearing loss
• dermatitis from irritants or allergens
• long-term musculoskeletal deterioration

You may only realise the connection between your work and your symptoms after:

• a medical diagnosis
• workplace testing
• a doctor or specialist explanation
• worsening symptoms over time

In these cases, the reporting timeline typically begins from when you became aware of the condition’s likely link to work — not necessarily from when you were first exposed.

8. Reporting an Injury vs. Lodging a WorkCover Claim — What’s the Difference?

Reporting an injury to your employer is not the same thing as lodging a WorkCover claim.

Reporting an Injury

• Notifies your employer of what happened.
• Creates a record.
• Must be done as soon as practicable (ideally within 30 days).
• Does not automatically start WorkCover benefits.

Lodging a WorkCover Claim

• Requires completing a Worker’s Injury Claim Form.
• Must be accompanied by a Certificate of Capacity if time off is needed.
• Triggers the insurer’s assessment process.
• Leads to weekly payments, medical expenses, and other supports.

Many people mistakenly think reporting the injury is enough — but you still need to lodge a claim if you want WorkCover benefits.

9. How to Report a Workplace Injury to Your Employer

You can report your injury in several ways, depending on your workplace. Common methods include:

• telling your manager or supervisor
• emailing HR
• completing an internal incident form
• recording it in the injury register
• texting or messaging a supervisor (if no formal system exists)

When reporting, include:

• date, time and location of injury
• how the incident occurred
• witnesses
• your symptoms
• any first aid or treatment received

Written reports (emails, forms) are always safer than verbal reports alone because they create evidence.

10. What Evidence Should You Provide When Reporting?

You don’t need everything upfront, but useful evidence includes:

• witness accounts
• photos of hazards
• emails or messages about workloads or behaviours
• doctor’s notes
• injury register entries

The more accurate the information you provide, the easier it is for insurers to see your injury as legitimate and work-related.

11. What Happens If You Report the Injury Late?

WorkSafe Victoria allows late reporting in many circumstances, especially when there is a reasonable explanation.

Reasons for legitimate delays include:

• not realising symptoms were serious
• not understanding the connection to work
• fear of retaliation from employer
• worsening symptoms only becoming noticeable later
• psychological hesitation (common in mental health injuries)
• miscommunication between workers, supervisors and HR

If you report late, your claim may still be accepted — but insurers may scrutinise it more closely. The later the report, the more important strong evidence and legal support becomes.

12. What If Your Employer Refuses to Take Your Report?

Although most employers do the right thing, some do not. Some may:

• discourage you from reporting
• refuse to acknowledge the injury
• tell you to “see how you go” instead
• suggest using sick leave rather than WorkCover
• blame you for the injury

If this happens, you still have options:

• email HR or management directly
• keep a written record of attempts to report
• contact WorkSafe Victoria
• lodge a WorkCover claim directly
• speak to a WorkCover lawyer

No employer has the right to stop you from reporting a genuine workplace injury.

13. When You Should Seek Legal Advice

You should consider speaking to a WorkCover lawyer if:

• you’re unsure whether you’ve reported in time
• your employer disputes the injury
• your claim is rejected or delayed
• you develop a psychological injury
• your injury is long-term or requires surgery
• your employer is treating you unfairly
• you need help understanding the process

Time limits, paperwork and insurer deadlines can be stressful, especially when you’re already dealing with pain or emotional strain. Getting advice early can prevent small issues from turning into major disputes.

14. Final Thoughts — Where to Get Help

Reporting a workplace injury in Victoria is straightforward when you know the rules:

• report injuries as soon as practicable — ideally immediately
• you generally have 30 days, but earlier is always better
• gradual and psychological injuries still need timely reporting
• late reporting can still be accepted with a reasonable explanation
• document everything in writing
• seek medical treatment promptly

If you’re unsure whether you’ve reported on time, or if your employer or the insurer is questioning your claim, it’s important to get expert advice before things escalate.

For clear guidance, support and WorkCover expertise, contact Hymans Legal.

Hymans Legal specialises in workplace injuries, WorkCover claims and compensation matters across Melbourne and Victoria. Their team can help you understand the reporting timelines, lodge your claim properly and defend your rights if any disputes arise.

Phone: 1300 667 116

Don’t navigate WorkCover alone — get professional support and protect your future.