Concussion at work in WA: a WorkCover guide

A knock to the head at work — a fall, being struck by an object, a vehicle incident — can cause a concussion even without being knocked out. In WA, work-related injuries are generally covered by workers’ compensation, which can pay for treatment such as physiotherapy while you recover.

How the claim works

• Your employer passes the claim to their insurer. The insurer has 14 days to accept liability, dispute it, or defer the decision.
• If the decision is deferred and still not made after 28 days, the insurer must start provisional payments while it decides.
• Certificates come from a doctor. Your treating doctor issues your first, progress and final certificates of capacity. Give each progress certificate to your employer or insurer within 7 days, unless the doctor sends it.

What treatment is covered

• Physiotherapy and psychology are among the health services workers’ compensation can pay for, along with doctors’ visits, exercise programs and occupational therapy.
• Fees are set by WorkCover WA. If a clinic charges more than the set fee, you may pay the difference (a gap), so ask when you book.
• Treatment must be reasonable, and there’s an overall limit on medical and health expenses. Physiotherapists send the insurer a treatment plan as care continues.
• Tell the clinic it’s a WorkCover claim when you book, and bring your claim number if you have one.

Getting back to work

Most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, and a gradual return to work usually helps recovery rather than slowing it. Staying home until every symptom has gone isn’t recommended.

• Start with reduced hours or modified duties, then build up as symptoms allow.
• Screen and concentration-heavy work: regular short breaks, larger text, and fewer meetings back-to-back.
• Noise and bright light: a quieter workspace if these bring on symptoms.
• Safety-critical tasks — driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or anything where slowed reactions put you or others at risk — should wait until your doctor clears you.
• A small rise in symptoms is OK. If symptoms clearly worsen or don’t settle within an hour, ease back.

Your doctor records what you can do on your certificate of capacity, and a concussion physiotherapist can help plan the stages with you and your employer.

When to get more help

If you’re not clearly improving after a few days, or dizziness, neck pain or headaches are still there after about 10 days, see a physiotherapist with concussion training — vestibular and neck rehabilitation can help. Read symptoms still there after 4 weeks if recovery is taking longer.

For questions about your claim, contact your employer’s insurer or WorkCover WA’s free Advice and Assistance Service on 1300 794 744 (workcover.wa.gov.au).

Find a provider

Browse providers who treat WorkCover WA claims, or find a provider by area. Scheme details were confirmed by the directory in November 2026 — it’s still worth mentioning your claim when you book, and asking about any gap fee.

Work, car crashes and claims

• Concussion after a car crash (ICWA)Reporting the crash, ICWA claims and treatment approval.
• FIFO and regional workersOn-site care, telehealth and getting back on roster.
• For insurers, case managers and employersWhy early care matters and how to find a provider fast.

More concussion information

• The first 48 hoursRest, screens, warning signs, and when to get checked.
• ED, GP or physio?Warning signs that need ED, and when a GP or physio is right.
• Symptoms after 4 weeksWhat persisting symptoms mean and what treatment helps.