Workplace Injuries & Your Rights Under ACC

If you've had an accident at work, you're likely worried about medical bills, lost income, and how you'll manage during recovery. The good news is that New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides comprehensive no-fault insurance coverage to help you get back on your feet. Whether it's a slip on a wet floor, a machinery accident, or a repetitive strain injury, understanding your rights and entitlements under ACC can make a real difference to your recovery and financial security.

What is ACC and How Does It Work?

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a government agency that provides no-fault insurance coverage for injuries in New Zealand.^[1] This means that regardless of who caused the accident, injured workers can access compensation and medical support. You don't need to prove anyone was at fault—ACC covers you automatically if you've had an accident.

Everyone in New Zealand is covered by ACC's no-fault scheme if they're injured in an accident. This includes children, beneficiaries, students, workers, and even visitors to New Zealand.^[3] It doesn't matter if you're working, unemployed, or retired—you're covered.

What Types of Injuries Does ACC Cover?

ACC covers a wide range of work-related injuries. Understanding what's covered helps you know whether you're entitled to claim.

Injuries ACC Will Cover

Acute injuries – Slips, trips, falls, fractures, sprains, burns, and cuts.^[1]
Gradual process injuries – Repetitive strain injuries, occupational overuse syndrome, and exposure-related conditions.^[1]
Workplace-related mental injuries – Psychological trauma due to a sudden, traumatic event at work.^[1]
Work-related illnesses and diseases – Conditions caused by long-term exposure to harmful substances.^[1]

Strains and sprains are actually the leading injury type in New Zealand, making up 55% of all claims as soft tissue injuries.^[4]

What ACC Won't Cover

It's important to know that ACC may not cover:

Pre-existing conditions unrelated to work^[1]
Stress, anxiety, or depression unless linked to a traumatic event^[1]
Injuries caused by intentionally reckless behaviour or self-inflicted harm^[1]

What to Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury

Acting quickly after a workplace injury is crucial. The steps you take in the first few days can affect your claim and recovery.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Visit a doctor, physiotherapist, or healthcare provider as soon as possible.^[1] When you see them, make sure to tell them the injury happened at work so they can file an ACC claim on your behalf. This is important—your healthcare provider will complete the necessary paperwork to get your claim started.

Step 2: Report the Injury to Your Employer

Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible.^[1] Additionally, complete an incident report if required by your workplace. This creates a record of the injury and helps ensure your employer can support you through the process.

Step 3: File Your ACC Claim

Your doctor or healthcare provider will complete an ACC45 form, which is then sent to ACC for review and approval.^[1] You don't need to do this yourself—your healthcare provider handles it. However, it's worth following up to make sure your claim has been received.

How ACC Claims Are Processed

Understanding the claims process helps you know what to expect and when to follow up.

Step 1: ACC Receives and Assesses Your Claim

ACC reviews your claim to confirm eligibility based on injury type and circumstances.^[1] If additional information is needed, ACC may request a medical assessment or a statement from your employer. This usually takes a few weeks.

Step 2: Claim Approval or Decline

If approved, ACC provides compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages (if applicable).^[1] If your claim is declined, you have the right to appeal the decision. Many people successfully appeal declined claims, so don't give up if your initial claim is rejected.

Step 3: Rehabilitation and Recovery

ACC may arrange physiotherapy, counselling, or workplace modifications to help you return to work.^[1] This is an important part of the process—ACC's goal is to help you recover and get back to work as soon as safely possible.

Your Compensation Entitlements Under ACC

If your ACC claim is approved, you're entitled to several types of compensation and support. Here's what you can expect.

Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation

You're entitled to:

Doctor visits and specialist care^[1]
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation services^[1]
Medication costs related to the injury^[1]
Surgery and hospital care, if necessary^[1]
Home modifications if a serious injury requires it^[1]

Your healthcare providers will claim these costs directly from ACC, so you shouldn't have to pay upfront.

Weekly Compensation for Lost Wages

If your injury prevents you from working, ACC provides weekly compensation to cover lost earnings.^[1] Here's how it works:

Payments start after the first week of injury (the first week is typically unpaid)^[1]
You'll receive 80% of your pre-injury weekly income^[1]
If you return to work part-time, ACC may provide partial compensation^[1]
If you're self-employed, ACC will base compensation on your earnings in the past year^[1]
Weekly compensation is only paid while you have a current medical certificate from your doctor stating you're unable to work^[2]

This compensation helps bridge the gap while you recover. Remember, it's based on your gross earnings, so you'll need to manage tax yourself.

Lump-Sum Compensation for Permanent Impairment

If your injury causes permanent disability, you may be eligible for a one-time lump sum payment.^[1] The amount depends on the severity of the impairment. Any lump sum assessment can only be undertaken once the injury has stabilised.^[2]

Vocational Rehabilitation and Return to Work Support

ACC may provide:

Workplace modifications (e.g., ergonomic chairs, voice-recognition software)^[1]
Retraining and job placement assistance if you can't return to your previous job^[1]
Vocational guidance counselling and CV preparation^[2]

This support is designed to help you get back to work, even if you can't do your old job.

Employer Responsibilities and the ACC Accredited Employer Programme

Some employers participate in the ACC Accredited Employer Programme (AEP), which means they provide the same level of care and cover offered by ACC while adhering to the ACC Compensation Act 2001.^[2]

If your employer is part of this programme, they may also help with:

Transport to treatment and rehabilitation (reimbursing public transport costs or at a rate of 29 cents per kilometre if you travel more than 20 kms one way to your nearest place of rehabilitation)^[2]
Assistance towards medical treatment for your injury^[2]
Developing a return to work programme tailored to your needs^[2]

Your Rights as an Injured Worker

Under the ACC Code of Claimants' Rights, all people with an accident-related injury claim must be treated with dignity and respect.^[2] This means:

You have the right to appeal if your claim is declined
You have the right to clear communication about your claim status
You have the right to be involved in decisions about your treatment and rehabilitation
You have the right to access dispute resolution if you disagree with ACC's decision

What Happens If Your Claim Is Declined?

If ACC declines your claim, don't panic. You have options. You can appeal the decision, and many people successfully challenge declined claims. If you need help navigating the appeals process, you can seek advice from employment law specialists or organisations that support injured workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an ACC claim to be approved?

ACC typically assesses claims within a few weeks. However, if they need additional information, such as a medical assessment or employer statement, it may take longer. You can follow up with ACC if you haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe.

Can I claim ACC for a workplace injury if I was partly at fault?

Yes. ACC is a no-fault scheme, which means you can claim regardless of who caused the accident.^[1] Even if you were partly responsible, you're still covered.

What if I'm self-employed and injured at work?

Self-employed people are covered by ACC. If you're injured, ACC will base your weekly compensation on your earnings in the past year.^[1] You'll need to provide evidence of your earnings when you make your claim.

Can I return to work part-time while recovering?

Yes. If you return to work part-time, ACC may provide partial compensation to top up your reduced income.^[1] You'll need a medical certificate from your doctor confirming you're fit for part-time work, and ACC will assess your situation to determine the appropriate top-up payment.

What if I disagree with ACC's decision about my compensation?

You have the right to appeal. If you need help, you can seek advice from employment law specialists. Some offer support on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning your employer covers the costs if you win your case.

Do I need to pay tax on ACC weekly compensation?

ACC weekly compensation is treated as income, so you'll need to manage tax yourself. It's worth speaking to an accountant or the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) about your obligations.

Moving Forward After a Workplace Injury

A workplace injury can be stressful and disruptive, but ACC's system is designed to provide financial protection and rehabilitation for workers injured on the job. By understanding how to file a claim, what compensation you're entitled to, and what to do if a claim is declined, you can ensure you receive the support you need.

If you've been injured at work, take action quickly: seek medical attention, report the injury to your employer, and make sure your healthcare provider files your ACC claim. Keep copies of all documentation, follow medical advice, and stay in contact with ACC throughout your recovery. If you face challenges with your claim, don't hesitate to seek professional advice—you're entitled to support.

Sources & References

Workplace Injuries: How ACC can Help — Mahi Law
Rights and Entitlements in the ACC AEP — OneStaff
2025 ACC — NZPS 2026
Key Trends Reshaping Injury Prevention and Wellbeing in 2026 — Body Care NZ