Can Casual Employees Claim WorkCover in Queensland?

June 16, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Casual Employees Claiming WorkCover

Yes. Casual employees in Queensland can generally make a WorkCover claim if they suffer a work-related injury or illness. Casual workers often have the same workers’ compensation rights as full-time and part-time employees. Depending on the circumstances, injured workers may also be entitled to pursue a workplace injury claim.

Are Casual Workers Covered by WorkCover?

Yes. Many workers assume they cannot claim workers’ compensation because they do not receive annual leave or sick leave. However, eligibility for WorkCover is generally based on the employment relationship and the circumstances of the injury, not whether the worker is casual, part-time or full-time.

Casual employees across many industries may be covered, including:

Retail
Hospitality
Construction
Warehousing
Healthcare
Transport

What Types of Injuries Can Casual Workers Claim For?

A WorkCover claim may arise from many different workplace injuries and illnesses, including:

Back injuries
Shoulder injuries
Knee injuries
Repetitive strain injuries
Falls at work
Psychological injuries

The injury must generally arise out of, or in the course of, employment.

What Should Casual Workers Do After a Workplace Injury?

If you’re injured at work:

Report the injury to your employer.
Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Obtain a medical certificate from your doctor.
Lodge a WorkCover claim.
Keep records of treatment and communications.

Early reporting and medical treatment can help ensure the injury is properly documented.

Related Information

Office Locations

Trilby Misso Lawyers has offices across Queensland, including:

Kathryn MacDonell

Chief Executive Officer

Kathryn is Trilby Misso’s Chief Executive Officer.

Meet Kathryn

Your next step is a small one, but don’t delay

Your next step is a small one. All you need to do is give us a call on 07 3910 5470 or complete this form here to arrange a quick chat.

During this initial conversation, we will:

Have a chat about your circumstances.
Give you an approximate indication of your eligibility for compensation.
Explain, in simple terms, how our process works. We will answer any questions you have about fees, the legal process, and anything else you’re unsure about relating to your circumstances.