Understanding Workers' Compensation in Queensland

In Queensland, approximately 497,300 reported cases of work-related injuries or illnesses were reported in the 2021-22 financial year, representing 3.5% of all workers. Common causes of these injuries include lifting, pushing, or bending (24%), falls, trips, and slips (16%), and being hit by moving objects (12%). Additionally, the Queensland Workers' Compensation Scheme reported a statutory claim rate of 33.1 claims per 1,000 employed individuals, meaning roughly 1 in every 30 workers files a claim.

in Australia, employees who are injured at work are generally entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Workers' compensation is a system designed to provide financial support and medical benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to their work.

What is Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. The system is designed to cover both physical injuries (like fractures, sprains, or burns) and work-related mental health issues (such as stress or depression). The primary aim is to ensure that injured workers are able to recover and return to work without bearing the full financial burden of medical treatment, lost wages, or rehabilitation.

How does Workers' Compensation work in Queensland?

Each state and territory in Australia has its own workers' compensation system, and while the basic principles remain the same, there are differences in coverage, compensation amounts, and procedures. In Queensland, the Workers' Compensation Regulator (WCR) oversees Queensland's system. Most companies are insured with, and pay an annual insurance premium to Workcover Queensland, a state-owned insurer. Some larger companies will be self-insured, which means they are responsible for providing compensation for any injured workers they employ.

1. Eligibility for Workers' Compensation

• Employees: Workers who are employed under a contract of service (whether full-time, part-time, or casual) are generally eligible for workers' compensation. This includes those working in various industries, from construction to office environments.

• Independent Contractors: In most cases, independent contractors are not covered by workers' compensation. However, some exceptions may apply depending on the nature of the work or the specific terms of their contract.

2. Types of injuries covered

• Physical injuries: This includes accidents such as falls, machinery malfunctions, or accidents in the workplace.

• Psychological injuries: Mental health issues resulting from workplace stress, bullying, or trauma are increasingly recognized under workers' compensation laws.

• Occupational diseases: Certain long-term health conditions, such as respiratory diseases from exposure to hazardous materials, can also be covered.

• Road Traffic Accidents on your way to work: If you are involved in a traffic accident on your way to work and are injured, you can claim your treatment through a Workers Compensation Claim. You will need to see your GP in the first instance.

3. Key benefits

• Medical treatment: Compensation can cover the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and necessary therapies related to the injury. This includes Physiotherapy.

• Income replacement: If a worker is unable to perform their usual job duties due to an injury, workers' compensation will provide partial wage replacement.

• Permanent disability: In cases of permanent injury or disability, workers may be entitled to lump-sum compensation or ongoing payments.

• Death benefits: If a worker dies as a result of a workplace injury or illness, their dependents may be eligible for compensation.

4. How to make a Workers' Compensation claim

• Report the injury: The first step is for the injured worker to report the injury to their employer. The injury must be reported as soon as possible, typically within 30 days. Your company Health and Safety Officer will advise how to progress.

• Seek medical attention: Injured workers must see their GP to document their injury and obtain a work capacity certificate. They need to regularly attend GP appointments to ensure that their certificate remains up to date.

• File a claim: Workers must then file a claim with Workcover Queensland, which will assess the claim and determine eligibility.

• Employer's Role: Employers are required by law to support the claim process, which includes notifying their insurance provider and assisting with the necessary paperwork.

Tips for employees:

• Know your rights: Employees should understand their entitlements to workers' compensation and ensure they are fully aware of their legal rights following an injury.

• Seek help early: If you are injured, report the incident to your employer and seek medical treatment immediately. Delays in reporting or treatment can delay the claims process.

• Document everything: Keep records of all medical visits, treatments, and correspondence with your employer or insurance provider to support your claim.

• Return-to-Work: Many workers’ compensation systems offer return-to-work programs to help employees resume their duties gradually. This can help reduce the impact of an injury and assist in a smooth transition back to full employment.

At Restorativ Physiotherapy we work with employees and employers to rehabilitate all types of work injuries. You can find out more on why you should choose us as your Physiotherapist here.

We are conveniently located in the Pimpama Health Precinct, off Junction 49 of the M1, easily accessible from Coomera, Upper Coomera, Pimpama, Jacobs Well and Hope Island. We pride ourselves on getting to know and building a relationship with our patients and are committed to providing high-quality care tailored to your needs.