The dwc 7 form is a required workplace poster in California, not a form you mail to an agency. Its official title is “Notice to Employees — Injuries Caused by Work.” Your employer must put it up where workers can see it. It tells you what to do if you get hurt on the job and who to contact. If you are hurt and worried right now, this poster is one of the first places to look for help.
What the Dwc 7 Form Is For
The dwc 7 form exists so no worker is left guessing after an injury. It gives you basic facts in one place. For example, it explains that workers’ comp can pay for medical care and some lost wages. It also tells you how to report an injury to your employer. In most cases, the employer fills in the name of its insurance company or claims administrator. As a result, you know exactly who will handle your claim.
The poster comes from the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). The agency keeps the official version on its forms page. Think of the dwc 7 form as a map. It does not start your claim by itself. However, it points you toward the steps that do. The table below lists the key facts about this notice.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Form number | DWC 7 |
| Form title | Notice to Employees — Injuries Caused by Work (the required workplace poster) |
| Who files | The employer must post it where workers can see it |
| Where filed | Not filed with the state; posted at the workplace |
| Fee | No filing fee; it is a posted notice, not a filed form |
| Agency | California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) |
| Official PDF | https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/NoticePoster.pdf |
Who Files the Dwc 7 Form and When
The employer is responsible for the dwc 7 form. Workers do not fill it out or turn it in. Typically, the poster goes in a common area, such as a break room or near a time clock. It should be easy to find and easy to read. If your workplace has more than one location, each site generally needs its own posted notice.
The poster should stay up at all times. It should also stay current. For example, if your employer changes insurance companies, the information on the poster should be updated. A worker who reads an old poster could call the wrong company. That can slow down care when you need it most.
If you cannot find the poster, do not panic. Your rights do not disappear because a notice is missing. Report your injury to your supervisor in writing, and keep a copy. You can also read our guide on California workers comp requirements to see what employers must provide.
How to Fill It Out and Where to Send It
Because the dwc 7 form is a poster, it is not sent anywhere. Instead, the employer completes the blank sections and posts it. These sections typically include the name of the insurance carrier or claims administrator. They also cover who to contact about a claim and where to get medical care. Some employers list a medical provider network or a doctor for first treatment.
Common mistakes are easy to spot. For example, an employer may leave the contact fields blank. Others post an outdated version or list an expired insurance policy. Some hang the poster in a back office workers never enter. In many workplaces, the notice should also be in Spanish if Spanish-speaking employees work there. If you see any of these problems, you may raise it politely with your employer or ask the DWC.
You can view or download the official dwc 7 form directly from the state. The current version is here: official DWC 7 notice poster PDF. You can also browse every state workers’ comp form on the California DWC forms page. Always use the version from the state site, not a copy from an unknown source.
What Happens After You File
Since nobody files the dwc 7 form, there is no response from the state. However, the poster leads you to the next real step. After an injury, you report it to your employer. Your employer should then give you a claim form. Once you complete and return that claim form, the claims process typically begins. Our guide on how to file a California workers comp claim walks through each step.
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If something goes wrong, you are not alone. The DWC has an Information and Assistance unit that helps injured workers for free. They can answer questions and explain your options. You can learn more about the state agency in our overview of the California workers comp board. Confirm any deadline or benefit figure with the DWC and a licensed attorney before making decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign or submit the dwc 7 form?
No. The dwc 7 form is a notice your employer posts at work. You only need to read it to find out how to report an injury and who handles claims.
What if my employer never posted the poster?
You can still report your injury and file a claim. A missing poster does not remove your right to benefits. In most cases, you should report the injury in writing and contact the DWC Information and Assistance unit for guidance.
Is the dwc 7 form the same as the workers’ comp claim form?
No. The poster explains your rights and who to contact. The claim form is a separate document your employer gives you after you report an injury. Confirm the correct claim form with the DWC before you file.
Dwc 7 form: Quick Recap
If you remember one thing about dwc 7 form, make it this: the rule is set by the state (or the federal program), not by the insurer, and the official source is linked above. Every figure on this page about dwc 7 form should be confirmed with the agency before you act on it.
Questions about dwc 7 form that this page does not answer are usually answered for free by the state workers’ comp agency’s information line — and, for a disputed claim, by a licensed attorney in a first consultation.
See your state’s exact numbers
What you are owed depends on your state’s benefit caps and deadlines. Start with your state’s settlement and claim guides for the exact figures.
Sources & How to Verify
The figures on this page come from official government and industry sources. Workers’ comp benefit caps, deadlines, and rules change, so always confirm the exact figure with your state’s workers’ comp board or a licensed attorney before acting. Settlement estimates are illustrative, and every case is different.
- Your state workers’ comp board, division, or commission: the official source for your state’s exact caps, deadlines, and forms — search “[your state] workers compensation board”
- U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP): dol.gov — federal workers’ compensation overview
- NCCI: ncci.com — workers’ comp rating and benefit data
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov — benefit-cap and SSDI offset data
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org — neutral workers’ comp background
Content last reviewed October 2026. If you notice an outdated figure, please contact us.
Related Guides
- California Workers Comp Board
- How to File a California Workers Comp Claim
- California Workers Comp Requirements
- Workers Comp Settlements by State (All 50)
- Workers Comp Claims by State (All 50)
- More in This Category
- Settlements by Injury
- Benefits Explained
- Workers Comp Glossary
Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers Comp Explained is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, insurer, or medical or financial advisor, and this page does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers’ compensation benefits, deadlines, and rules vary by state and change over time, and settlement estimates are illustrative only. Always confirm the exact figure and any deadline with your state’s workers’ compensation board and a licensed attorney before you act.