"I did not know about my rights or workers' compensation. No one explained it to me at the workplace. When I got injured, I was not told what to do and what my rights were." – Injured migrant worker

Key findings

• Most workers had limited knowledge of the workers' compensation system and were unsure of their rights and next steps.
• Workers commonly relied on family, friends or community members to initiate and navigate claims.
• Interpreter services were critical for access and understanding but were not always available, appropriately matched or effectively integrated into the process.
• Delays in the claims process and the absence of timely, in-language communication left some workers without treatment or financial support at critical moments.

"After an 8-hour shift, I started to feel strong lower back pain. I went home and rested. The next day, I still went to work and continued my duties as normal because I was afraid of losing my job." – Injured migrant worker

The report outlines opportunities to improve services for injured workers by building language access into service design, rather than treating it as an additional step. This includes making interpreter access available from the first point of contact and ensuring communication processes, digital systems and service pathways support people who use interpreters.

Services can also improve access by providing clear, in-language information about rights, responsibilities, available supports and next steps. Plain-language resources, translated materials and simple visual guides can help people navigate complex systems with greater confidence and reduce reliance on informal supports.