Accessing worker medical records in Australia is a sensitive issue. Employers may need medical information to assess fitness for work, manage workplace safety, or process workers’ compensation claims. However, privacy laws and employee rights place clear limits on what can be requested and how records are handled.
An injured worker’s compensation claim for a shoulder injury was denied by Comcare, as it wasn’t proven to be work-related, leading the worker to appeal.
Comcare summoned the worker’s medical records, but she objected, arguing they were unrelated to her compensation injury and requested removal of files from other treatments.”
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, privacy rights over medical files are surrendered. The worker’s protest was dismissed, and Comcare gained full access.
Employer lessons from this case
This case shows employers can request medical files, and workers must disclose them when needed. Progress notes provide a full health picture, supporting fair, evidence?based decisions
Source:
Title: Complete medical record necessary for full picture of injury
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