If you’re injured at your workplace, you’re entitled to get compensated for it under certain circumstances. The Australian government makes it compulsory for all employers to have a worker’s compensation insurance in place. But who can and cannot get compensated for injuries at the workplace? Find more here.
Safe Work Australia Act
Under worker compensation laws in Australia, you must refer to the Safe Work Australia Act of 2008. While it’s a very lengthy document, here’s a summary:
- The Act came into effect in 2008 and created a body called Safe Work Australia that oversees workers’ compensation arrangements along with the safety and occupational health of workers in Australia.
- The body or the statutory agency has a strategic partnership with the Australian government, industry unions, and insurers to reduce injuries and deaths at the workplace.
- It works towards improving workers’ safety policy and raising awareness about its importance.
- SWA is not a workers’ compensation authority and does not advise on insurance claims. It only advises policymakers for formulating appropriate worker’s compensation laws.
The Australian laws make it mandatory for companies to have workers’ insurance in place. This is irrespective of whether they are part-time, full-time, or temporary employees. As long as they’re under a written work contract, they should be protected with an insurance plan.
What Does It Entail?
It’s worth mentioning that the cost of work-related injuries in Australia is as much as $61.8 billion. A total of $480 million is paid out to workers every year in the form of insurance.
If an employee sustains any injury while working at the workplace, then the insurance will cover treatment costs. The workers’ compensation scheme may also offer weekly benefits to injured employees.
In case there’s an unfortunate permanent impairment, then you’re eligible to offer a lump sum amount along with rehab and personal care expenses. Find more here on this topic.
Psychological Illness Claims
The injuries are not limited to physical. They can be mental or psychological. To deal with these kinds of compensation, Safe Work Australia recommends the “SuperFriend TAKING ACTION” Framework. Australian workers’ compensation sector has already adopted this framework.
Since mental injuries tend to be more complex than physical, you must consult with a psychologist or a practitioner. The psychological injury may also be linked to the bodily injury you had sustained. All of these things should be taken into account before claiming compensation for your mental injury.
Recovery and Return to Work
Australian laws also support the worker’s willingness to return to work after an injury. According to a survey in 2018, nearly 92.7% of surveyed workers have returned to work after their injury. Therefore, many Return-to-Work programs cover medical, rehab, and other health services.
Finally, you should know that each state has its legislation and compensation scheme to deal with workplace injuries. These are administered in different ways, and insurers will have different demands to process your claim.
For example, in states like Tasmania, Western Australia, and Northern Territory, insurers must underwrite the scheme privately. While in states like NSW and Victoria, the underwriting is done through the agents on behalf of government authorities.
Therefore, you must seek professional help before you file for worker compensation. Read more here for better help.
