COVID-19 workers compensation update
WHS encourage all UOW staff with any injury or illness concerns to please advise your supervisor and contact WHS on the contacts below.
There are changes to WHS Workers Compensation processes during this current time. WHS would like to note the following:
Contracting COVID-19 within the workplace
In the event a UOW employee (including casuals) contracts COVID-19 whilst performing their prescribed duties on a UOW campus, the employee should immediately inform their supervisor and also contact the WHS Unit (ph 4221 2931).
The University of Wollongong is self-insured for workers compensation purposes. As such, UOW act as the insurer for workers compensation claims.
Under Workers Compensation legislation, an employee (including full time, part-time and casual employees) are able to lodge a claim for work-related injuries and illness which includes contracting COVID-19 in the workplace.
The WHS Unit can assist employees to determine their eligibility for any related medical expenses, and/or any time lost if not physically fit to perform work. The WHS Unit would suggest providing confirmation of a positive test or a medical certificate, including the dates required to isolate which would assist in the process of claim lodgement.
Providing confirmation of days worked on campus prior to the positive test will also assist with claim lodgement and assessment.
Supervisors should assist in the process by providing an incident report on behalf of the employee via SafetyNet. WHS can also assist in this process.
If the employee is physically capable of performing work, WHS would suggest remote working can be completed in consultation with the employer and supervisor.
For any further information on this matter, please contact the WHS Unit on 4221 2931.
For new claims
All UOW employees lodging a workers compensation claim are to follow the procedures outlined below:
- Advise your supervisor
- Log the incident details via the UOW SafetyNet incident report via: https://safetynet.uow.edu.au/uowauth/login
- Contact WHS via email on the following methods:
- email whs-admin@uow.edu.au
- phone 4221 5907, 4221 5695 or 0409 457 851
WHS will arrange in consultation with the employee, a telehealth appointment with a Doctor to provide a WorkCover Certificate of Capacity.
For existing workers compensation claimants
WHS encourage those claimants requiring medical treatment to continue to seek recommended treatment safely. It is important to maintain regular contact with your health providers.
Recent Workers Compensation amendments due to Covid-19 have allowed allied health professionals to undertake 2 new processes:
- Telehealth appointments can be undertaken by physiotherapist, hand therapists, osteopaths and psychologists to replace face to face consults. Check with your provider.
- Allied health providers such as those noted above can also provide updated certificates of capacity for claimants unable to gain GP bookings.
These services will be covered under workers compensation claims costs by WHS.
For those experiencing recent concerns, WHS would suggest making contact with your provider ASAP to seek treatment advice.
Concerns
Any concerns on your current claim, please contact Neil Ryan on 42215907 or Rachael Doves on 42215695 (Mon, Tue, Thu), or email whs-admin@uow.edu.au.