The Victorian WorkCover Authority has advised that from 1 March 2015, new certificates of capacity will be compulsory if workers are to receive their weekly payments of compensation for lost income.

The new certificates put a much more onerous burden on workers and their treating doctors. Certificates of capacity are now spread out over two pages rather than one, and require the treating general practitioners to provide a diagnosis, assessment of the physical and mental function of the worker, outline what treatment is planned into the future, and assess what the worker's capacity is for everyday movements such as sitting, standing, bending, squatting and kneeling.

The certificate also requires the worker to complete a declaration stating whether they have engaged in any employment (including voluntary work) since their injury, and certifying that the information provided is true and correct.

The certificates were initially introduced on 1 July 2014, with the Victorian WorkCover Authority advising that the previous, simplified certificates would still be accepted until January 2015. The Authority has advised that the grace period has now ended, and only workers covered by the new certificates of capacity will be entitled to their weekly payments of compensation from 1 March 2015.

After an injury at work, there is a lot of paperwork and processes to go through, and it can be difficult to navigate for both workers and treating doctors. If you or your doctor have any questions about your potential entitlements after an injury at work, we invite you to speak to one of our expert injury lawyers on (03) 9321 9988.