Many businesses are unsure what to do when they have an employee with a non-work-related injury. Common questions that arise include: As an employer, what is my role? Can the injury become a workers’ compensation claim? Where can I get help?
Non-Work Related Injuries – To help businesses, we identify key areas below:
What is a non-work related injury?
A non?work?related injury is one not caused by employment. Businesses should note that managing workers returning after such injuries can be challenging.
How will it affect my business?
Non?work injuries may disrupt duties and lead to claims if aggravated. In Australia, discrimination due to injury or illness is illegal, and employers are liable if staff engage in it.
What about my insurance premium?
In Australia, non?work injuries don’t affect employer premiums as they fall outside workers’ compensation. However, if aggravated by work duties, employers are liable, and claims may raise premiums for up to three years.
What do I have to do?
Although you are not held liable to their injury, employers are still required to provide support and assistance to their workers who suffer a non-work related injury/illness or medical condition. Ensuring the injured worker can return safely to work as soon as possible, and that they are not treated unfavourably is essential in maintaining a healthy and productive workplace. <p>If a worker is unable to perform their core duties, the employer is not expected to keep a position open indefinitely or make adjustments that cause unjustifiable hardship. <p>It is important to know that supporting an injured worker to return safely to work as quickly as possible is good for business productivity and supports equal opportunity good practice. It assists the worker to reduce the financial and emotional impact on themselves and their family and can be an important factor in helping them recover and return to normal life.</p>
For further information regarding Return to Work following a non-work related injury read our previous article Non-Work Related Injuries & Illness