The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted workplaces worldwide, and Australia is no exception. Beyond health and safety concerns, the virus has created new challenges in workers’ compensation, forcing employers, insurers, and regulators to adapt rapidly. For ABILITY GROUP, understanding these changes is vital to supporting businesses and employees during uncertain times.
On 28 April 2020, SIRA reported 205 COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims in NSW, requiring employment as the main or substantial contributing factor.
SIRA is closely supervising Insurers throughout the process.
Rising Claims and Notifications
- Claims often arose in frontline industries such as healthcare, emergency services, education, and retail, where exposure risks were highest.
- Safe Work Australia continues to monitor and publish technical notes on COVID-19 claims, ensuring transparency and guidance for employers.
Safe Work Australia continues to monitor and publish technical notes on COVID-19 claims, ensuring transparency and guidance for employers.
In NSW, hundreds of COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims arose from employees contracting the virus at work.
Employer Responsibilities
- Employers must demonstrate robust workplace safety measures to reduce liability.
- Claims for disease injuries require proof that employment was the main contributing factor in contracting COVID-19.
- Supporting employees through injury management, mental health resources, and safe work practices remains critical
For support or advice, please contact our workers compensation specialists for assistance.
Source: Risk and Insurance
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