Workers Compensation

The Workers Compensation system in Australia is an insurance system set up to protect and rehabilitate workers who sustain an injury while performing their work duties. All workers are covered under the system, provided their employer takes out a compulsory workers compensation insurance policy.

The main goal of the workers compensation system is to support injured workers with their recovery in order to ensure they return to work in a safe and durable manner.

You can claim workers compensation after you have sustained an injury at work. This includes while you’re performing your usual duties, or any other duties as instructed by your employer. Workplace injuries can be physical or psychological in nature, and the type of injury will determine your treatment and referral pathways.

Usually, this process involves reporting the injury to the employer, consulting with a GP, potential referral for imaging, and lastly, referrals to specialists and allied health providers (such as Exercise Physiologists).

Exercise physiologists are university-qualified health professionals who specialise in exercise prescription for those who are living with a chronic condition, injury, or disability. As a result, they are well placed to assist an injured worker return to work. They can provide functional exercise prescription for physical conditioning to ensure that the body is able to recover from injury and re-adapt to the stressors of the job.

They can also assist with education to ensure that any barriers that are identified are addressed. This helps to ensure that employees can return to their pre-injury duties without concerns. Lastly, they will work collaboratively with insurers, employers, doctors, and rehabilitation consultants to ensure you’re supported through your recovery and return to work.