Workplace Injuries During Teaching

Work Cover for You: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities in Workplace Injuries

As an educator, your safety and well-being in the classroom are paramount. Unfortunately, workplace injuries can occur even in school settings, impacting not only your health but also your professional life. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials of work cover, your rights, and responsibilities when faced with a workplace injury.

The Impact of Workplace Injuries in Schools

Workplace injuries are more than just inconveniences; they affect everyone involved – from the injured employee to the employer and overall school productivity. An injury can lead to downtime for the employee, reduced output for the school, and additional administrative requirements. While prevention is always better than cure, accidents can still happen. That's why it's crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities in such situations.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries in Educational Settings

Teachers and school staff may experience various types of injuries:

1. Physical injuries: These include cuts, lacerations, burns, abrasions, penetrating wounds, broken bones, and fractures. For example, a teacher might slip on a wet floor or injure themselves while setting up classroom equipment.
2. Mental health issues: Educators can face significant stress, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can be triggered by factors such as workplace bullying, excessive workload, or traumatic incidents involving students.
3. Occupational diseases: These include conditions like industrial deafness from prolonged exposure to noisy environments (e.g., music classrooms), or respiratory issues from exposure to certain chemicals in science labs.
4. Communicable diseases: Teachers are often exposed to various illnesses due to close contact with students. This can include glandular fever, measles, or whooping cough.
5. Aggravated pre-existing conditions: Sometimes, the nature of teaching work can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. For instance, a teacher with a minor back problem might find it worsens due to long periods of standing or carrying heavy materials.

Your Rights in Work Cover Claims

When you're injured at work, you have several important rights:

1. Medical Treatment and Compensation: You're entitled to necessary medical care and compensation for work-related injuries. This includes not just immediate treatment, but also ongoing care if required.
2. Claim Lodgment: You have the right to lodge a workers' compensation claim with your employer's insurer. Pro tip: A specialist's certificate can significantly boost your chances of a successful claim compared to a GP certificate. This is because specialists can provide more detailed and specific information about your condition and its relation to your work.
3. Return to Work: Once you're able, you have the right to return to work, with your employer required to provide suitable duties where possible. This might involve modified tasks, reduced hours, or even a different role that accommodates your recovery.
4. Non-Discrimination: You cannot face unfair treatment or discrimination for making a claim or having a work-related injury. This protection ensures that you can pursue your claim without fear of negative consequences for your employment.
5. Information Access: You're entitled to be informed about the claim process and your entitlements. This includes receiving clear explanations about the steps involved, timelines, and what benefits you may be eligible for.

Your Responsibilities in Work Cover Claims

While you have rights, you also have responsibilities:

1. Prompt Reporting: Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be done within 30 days of becoming aware of the injury. Prompt reporting helps ensure that your claim is processed quickly and that you receive timely support.
2. Seeking Treatment: Obtain proper medical care and follow your doctor's advice. This not only aids your recovery but also provides necessary documentation for your claim.
3. Accurate Information: Provide honest and precise details about your injury and circumstances when making a claim. Accuracy is crucial for a fair assessment of your situation.
4. Rehabilitation Participation: Cooperate with your employer and insurer in rehabilitation and return-to-work programs. Active participation can significantly improve your recovery outcomes.
5. Return-to-Work Efforts: Make reasonable attempts to return to work when medically cleared. This might involve engaging in suitable alternative duties if you're not yet able to return to your full pre-injury role.
6. Regular Communication: Keep your employer and the insurer updated on your recovery progress. Open communication helps ensure that your support is tailored to your current needs.

Understanding Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation is a form of insurance payment provided to employees injured at work or who become ill due to their work. Employers in each state or territory are required to have workers' compensation insurance to protect themselves and their employees.

It's important to note that workers' compensation claims can affect an employer's insurance premiums. This system is designed to incentivize workplaces to prioritize worker safety. However, it can sometimes result in resistance from employers in accepting claims, making it crucial for employees to understand their rights and the claim process.

What Workers' Compensation May Cover

Depending on your injury or illness, workers' compensation can provide:

• Wage coverage during your recovery period, typically a percentage of your regular earnings
• Medical and hospital expenses, including rehabilitation treatments
• Lump-sum payments for permanent impairments
• Additional support like education and training to help you return to work or transition to a new role
• Domestic assistance if you're unable to perform household tasks due to your injury
• Access to a network of medical specialists and rehabilitation providers

How to Make a WorkCover Claim

If you believe you've suffered a work-related injury or disease, follow these steps to make a WorkCover claim:

1. Consult your doctor: Seek medical treatment and provide your doctor with details about how you were injured. Be sure to mention that it's a work-related injury.
2. Report the injury: Inform your employer about the injury in writing within 30 days of becoming aware of it. You can do this by making an entry in the workplace accident book or register of injuries, or by lodging a claim for compensation directly.
3. Lodge a claim: Submit a WorkCover claim form to your employer. You can obtain this form from a post office, your doctor, or the WorkCover authority in your state. If you're claiming medical expenses only, attach relevant invoices to your claim.
4. Provide a capacity certificate: If you need time off work, include a certificate of capacity from your doctor with your claim. This document outlines your injury and any work restrictions.

After you submit your claim, your employer has 10 days to forward it to their WorkCover claims agent. The agent then has 28 days to decide on your claim. Be aware that not all claims are immediately accepted, and some may require further independent medical assessments.

Your Return-to-Work Rights

While specific details may vary by state or territory, here are some general return-to-work rights in Australia:

1. Job Reinstatement: Your employer must typically provide your pre-injury job or an equivalent position if you're fit to return within 12 months of your injury. This ensures job security during your recovery period.
2. Dismissal Protection: You're generally protected against dismissal for 6 to 12 months solely due to your work-related injury or illness. This timeframe can vary depending on your location.
3. Suitable Duties: If you have some work capacity but aren't fully recovered, your employer should provide suitable duties matching your current abilities. This might involve modified tasks or a different role that accommodates your recovery.
4. Return-to-Work Planning: You have the right to be involved in developing your return-to-work plan, along with your employer and treating health professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that the plan is tailored to your specific needs and capabilities.
5. Ongoing Treatment: You're entitled to ongoing medical treatment related to your work injury, typically covered by the workers' compensation scheme. This can include physiotherapy, psychological support, or other necessary treatments.
6. Gradual Return: You may have the right to a graduated return-to-work program, allowing you to increase your hours and duties over time as you recover. This phased approach can help prevent re-injury and ensure a smooth transition back to work.
7. Workplace Modifications: Your employer may need to make reasonable modifications to accommodate your injury or condition. This could include changes to your workstation, providing assistive equipment, or adjusting your work schedule.

Getting Help with Your Work Cover Claim

The below organizations can provide you with detailed, up-to-date information specific to your location and situation. For further help contact the workers compensation regulator in your state or territory:

• Australian Capital Territory: WorkSafe ACT
• New South Wales: State Insurance Regulatory Authority (NSW)
• Northern Territory: NT WorkSafe
• Norfolk Island: Norfolk Island Workers Compensation Scheme
• Queensland: WorkCover Queensland
• South Australia: ReturnToWork SA
• Tasmania: WorkSafe Tasmania
• Victoria: WorkSafe Victoria
• Western Australia: WorkCover WA
• Comcare
• Safe Work Australia

Furthermore, you can consult with a workers' compensation lawyer or the Teachers Professional Association of Australia (TPAA) for additional support and guidance. These professionals can help you understand your rights more effectively and navigate the claims process.

The TPAA is committed to protecting teachers' rights and ensuring safe, healthy workplaces. We believe that real change in schools starts with empowering frontline teachers. Experience the support, protection, and advocacy of TPAA by joining us today.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial when dealing with workplace injuries. Stay informed, stay protected, and let the TPAA support you throughout your teaching journey. With the right knowledge and support, you can navigate the work cover process effectively and focus on your recovery and return to the important work of educating the next generation.

Want to find out more or have a question? Get in touch with us:
Phone: 1300 252 777
Email: hotline@tpaa.asn.au
Or book a meeting

Best of luck in your teaching career!