An accident at the Sydney Royal Easter Show left several employees badly injured while playing on the super-slide at 12:20 a.m., after the show had closed. Given the severity of the injuries, WorkCover NSW is investigating.
This situation reminds us of the frequent questions from clients and partners: What exactly does workers’ compensation cover? Unfortunately for business owners, workers’ compensation operates as a no-fault system. Because each scheme—state-based, specialised licenses, or national, differs, there is no simple answer. What is clear, however, is that businesses must remain vigilant and cautious.
What Workers Compensation Covers
Workers compensation typically provides:
- Wages while recovering – Partial income replacement if you cannot work due to a workplace injury or illness.
- Medical expenses – Coverage for hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, and prescribed treatments.
- Rehabilitation services – Support for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or retraining to help employees return to work safely.
- Permanent impairment benefits – Compensation if an injury results in lasting disability.
- Death benefits – Financial support for dependents if a worker dies due to a workplace incident.
Who Is Covered?
Workers compensation applies to:
- Full-time and part-time employees
- Casual workers
- Apprentices and trainees
- Some subcontractors, depending on the scheme
Importantly, workers compensation is a no-fault system. This means employees are generally covered even if they acted carelessly or were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
Contact the Ability Group to assist you
Read more below:
Source: Safe Work Australia
Title: Comparison of Workers’ Compensation Arrangements in Australia and NZ (2012)
Read Time: > 1 hour
Source: Business Insider Australia
Title: 5 people hospitalised after being seriously injured at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
Read Time: 1 minute