Injured at Work? Here’s What to Do and Who Can Help.
If you’ve had a work-related injury in Queensland, there’s help available.
A workplace injury can happen in an instant, but its impact lasts much longer. From physical pain to emotional stress and time off work, even a minor incident can disrupt your life and leave you unsure of what to do next.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
Whether it’s a fall, a lifting injury, or a repetitive strain injury that’s developed over time, work-related injuries can limit your ability to work and enjoy everyday activities.
And it’s not just the physical effects. Many people also experience mental stress, financial worries, and confusion about their rights and entitlements under workers’ compensation laws.
Help is available. Services like WorkCover Queensland and qualified Rehabilitation Counsellors can guide your recovery, support your return to work, and help you regain control of your life.
Here’s what you should do immediately:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention and get a Work Capacity Certificate from your doctor.
- Lodge a WorkCover claim via the WorkCover Queensland website, by phone, or with help from your employer.
How a Rehabilitation Counsellor Can Help You Recover
If your WorkCover claim is approved, you are entitled to an initial Adjustment to Injury Assessment, which can be conducted by a qualified Rehabilitation Counsellor.
This initial assessment is crucial as it helps identify both physical and psychological impacts of your injury and informs the development of a personalised recovery plan.
Support areas may include:
- Identifying and managing work-related stress, anxiety, and physical limitations;
- Providing supportive counselling or referrals to mental health professionals;
- Assisting with return-to-work planning;
- Setting realistic goals to rebuild confidence and independence;
- Coordinating with your employer, doctor, and other health providers.
Rehabilitation Counsellors take a holistic approach to injury recovery by helping you heal both physically and emotionally.
How WorkCover Queensland Supports Injured Workers
WorkCover Queensland provides insurance coverage and recovery support to workers injured on the job.
If you’re unsure whether your injury is covered, or you need help getting started, visit their claims page for full instructions and eligibility information.
What WorkCover can help with:
- Rehabilitation assessments;
- Access to other health professionals like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists;
- Assistance with return-to-work programs;
- Wage replacement and medical expense coverage.
The earlier you access these services, the better your chance of a safe and long-lasting recovery.
Don’t Navigate Workplace Injury Alone
Being injured at work can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Ahead Psychology, our experienced Rehabilitation Counsellor Davina Williams can guide your recovery.
She specialises in adjustment to injury assessments and counselling, and is here to help you focus on what matters most: your recovery and your future.
So if you or someone you know is facing the challenges of a workplace injury, make an appointment today with Davina.
With over 15 years of experience in employment, disability, rehabilitation, mental health, and training, Davina is a dedicated counsellor who truly understands the challenges that come with injuries and health conditions.
She knows that recovery doesn’t always follow a straight path, and that it can feel overwhelming when things don’t go as expected. Davina provides a safe, supportive, and confidential space where people can talk openly about their struggles, gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, and develop practical strategies to navigate life’s changes.
Areas of Practice
Davina works with adults facing a variety of challenges, including:
- Physical and psychological adjustment to injuries
- Living with chronic health issues and managing associated impairments
- Coping with changes and challenges that affect quality of life
- Career counselling
- Vocational assessments
- Workplace injuries and stress
Areas of Special Interest and Expertise
Workers’ Compensation Injury Counselling
Recovering from a work-related injury isn’t just about physical healing, it’s also about mental and emotional well-being. Davina specialises in adjustment to injury counselling through WorkCover and WorkSafe, helping individuals manage the emotional impact of workplace injuries. She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, guiding them through the process of recovery while helping them regain confidence and a sense of normalcy.
Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Adjustment Counselling
Recovering from a motor vehicle accident isn’t just about physical healing. It’s also about adjusting to the emotional and mental challenges that come with it. Injury adjustment counselling after a car accident helps individuals navigate this process by providing support, coping strategies, and a safe space to talk through fears, frustrations, and uncertainties. Davina helps clients understand what their ‘new normal’ looks like and how they can move forward with a sense of control and hope. Whether it’s gaining independence, returning to work, or feeling comfortable socialising again, she helps clients take positive steps towards a fulfilling future.
Career Counselling
Navigating career changes, job searches, and professional transitions can be challenging, but Davina is here to help. She assists individuals with resume writing, interview preparation, and career planning, offering guidance on educational pathways and identifying strengths that align with different career opportunities.
On a Personal Note
Outside of work, Davina finds joy in creating art, gardening, camping, and relaxing with peaceful walks along the beach.
Need help navigating your WorkCover claim or recovery journey? Call us on (07) 3352 3577 or, Request a Booking.
Medicare & Private Health Insurance Rebates
You may be eligible for a rebate through Medicare or Private Health Insurance if you have extras cover.
For more information of Medicare Rebates for Psychology Services see our Medicare Rebates for Psychology Services Page.
For information on Private Health Insurance rebates check with your health insurance fund to find out if you are covered and how much your rebate will be.