General information
A certificate of capacity is an official document. It describes:
- your injury or illness
- your capacity for work
- any limitations you have performing your regular work tasks
You need a certificate if:
- you are claiming for weekly payments (money paid to you for time off work)
- you can't do your pre-injury work
You don’t need one if you are claiming for treatment expenses only.
It is a required document in the claims process and lets you access the support services you need.
How to get a certificate of capacity
You can get one from a medical practitioner.
The medical practitioner may call your employer to find out more about what you do for work.
They may also be contacted by your employer, your appointed return to work coordinator, occupational rehabilitation provider, or the WorkSafe agent, to coordinate your successful return to work .
Different types of certificates of capacity
- First certificate of capacity
Only a medical practitioner can issue the first certificate of capacity. A psychologist is not a medical practitioner. It is only valid for a maximum of 14 days, unless special reasons exist.
- Subsequent certificates of capacity
Any subsequent certificates are valid for a maximum of 28 days. If your WorkSafe agent is satisfied that there are special reasons, the certificate can cover a longer period.
A subsequent certificate of capacity can only be issued and signed by a medical practitioner, physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath.
- Attendance certificate
An attendance certificate confirms attendance for treatment with a medical practitioner, physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath. It is not a certificate of capacity.
- Medical certificate for workers living overseas
If you are receiving payments while overseas, you need to provide the following before you move.
- A medical certificate.
- Statement of identity, signed and witnessed by the healthcare provider issuing the certificate.
The certificate is only valid for 3 months.
- Certificates for mental injury claims
For mental injury claims, the medical practitioner should state the following in the certificate.
- A mental injury diagnosis, if any, using the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
- Whether the injury has caused significant behavioural, cognitive or psychological dysfunction.
Appointment with your medical practitioner
During the appointment with your medical practitioner, expect the following. They will:
- give you a diagnosis and identify the injury
- complete the certificate based on what you can do at work
- provide you with a timeframe for recovery and return to work
The medical practitioner can also do the below.
- Revise the certificate as the injury, condition or capacity changes.
- Assess and certify your working capacity, regardless of whether suitable employment is available.
- Discuss returning to work with you from the first consultation.
- Set realistic expectations with you about return to work timelines.
- Review any proposed return to work arrangements from your employer to make sure that the duties are within your capacity.