Your rights under NSW workers compensation
A plain-English overview of what you are entitled to as an injured worker in NSW, including treatment, choice of provider and support to return to work.
Workers compensation in NSW is a no-fault scheme, which means you can generally claim support for a work injury without having to prove anyone was to blame. SIRA regulates the scheme and icare is the insurer for most NSW employers. This is a general overview, not legal advice; for advice on your specific claim, the free Independent Review Office and your union or a lawyer can help.
What you are generally entitled to
In broad terms, an accepted claim can cover reasonably necessary treatment for your injury, weekly payments if your injury affects your ability to earn, and support to recover at and return to work. Treatment from approved providers such as physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and osteopaths can be funded, and some allied health treatment can begin without waiting for pre-approval in the early period after an injury.
You also have a say in your care. You choose your nominated treating doctor, you can usually choose and change your allied health treaters, and you are entitled to be involved in decisions about your return to work rather than have them imposed on you.
If something goes wrong
If a treatment request or claim is disputed, you have review and dispute-resolution rights. The Independent Review Office (IRO) provides free assistance to injured workers, and the Personal Injury Commission resolves disputes. You do not have to navigate a dispute alone, and using these services does not count against you.
Where this comes from
Sources checked 16 July 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.