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Workers compensation

Workers compensation

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:

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:

  1. Telehealth appointments can be undertaken by physiotherapist, hand therapists, osteopaths and psychologists to replace face to face consults. Check with your provider.
  2. 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.

Workers compensation

Workers compensation provides protection to workers and their employers in the event of a work related injury or disease. Through the workers compensation system, injured workers may have an entitlement to:

  • weekly payments
  • payment of medical treatment
  • rehabilitation and recovery at work assistance
  • provision of legal assistance if required.

Find out more by viewing the Frequently Asked Questions.

Person with bandaged hand Injury management program

Information for supervisors

Person pushing button on keyboard Incident management and reporting guidelines

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do I claim workers compensation?

Where possible report any hazardous condition, incident, injury or illness immediately, or as soon as practical to your supervisor. Initial notification of an injury can be also be made by some other person acting on your behalf, such as the treating doctor. All incidents are to be reported to the Supervisor or WHS Unit in the first instance, and an incident report form completed within 24hrs.

If you are injured at work:

  • Seek first aid and/or medical treatment if required - contact a local first aid officer, University Security on 4900, emergency services on 000 or the WHS Unit on 4221 3931 for assistance.
  • If you have a work related injury which requires you to see a doctor obtain a WorkCover medical certificate and request they include any recommendations regarding capacity for work.
  • If you obtain a WorkCover Medical Certificate or a doctor's certificate for a work related injury please contact the WHS Unit as soon as possible on 4221 3931.

Once the WHS Unit is notified of your injury, either written or verbal, payment of medical benefits and/or weekly payments will commence within 7 days unless where there is a valid reason not to do so (for example: when there is insufficient medical information or the injury is not work related).

To learn more about the University's policy and procedures for assisting injured workers please refer to the Injury Management Program.  The University is committed to providing injured employees a safe and early return to work in accordance with medical advice - for more information please refer to the Return to Work Program.

Q. When can you claim workers compensation?

A worker can claim workers compensation when they are injured at work or through the course of their employment.  When a worker is injured at work, the University and injured worker each have responsibilities to ensure that the injured worker is provided with benefits and assistance to recover and return to work safely and as soon as possible. 

If you are injured while working at or for the University please contact the WHS Unit on 4212 3931 as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate medial treatment and/or discuss reporting a claim for workers compensation.

Q. Which legislation relates to workers compensation?

Workers compensation is regulated by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA). Related legislation includes:

Q. Who is eligible to claim workers compensation?

A person who is a "worker" or "deemed worker" under the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998, is eligible to claim workers compensation.  Under the Act, a worker means any person who enters into or works under a contract of service or apprenticeship with an employer or a deemed worker as described by the Act.

Generally, a worker is someone who receives wages or commission regardless of the number of hours worked each week and includes workers who work away from the employer's premises.