Say that you are a builder working on the roof of a home in Ulladulla and it begins to rain, even though the weather forecast claimed it would be sunny all day. In your efforts to hurry up and cover the hole in the roof, you unexpectedly slip and suffer a fall! You are lucky that your injuries are minor, but they are enough to prevent you from working at your regular duties for a while.
If this happens to you, you should know that you have some rights that will be on your side to keep you employed while you get back on your feet again! While most employers are responsible, if you are unlucky enough to be working for one that isn’t, your next move will be to engage the services of a local workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you navigate the NSW workers’ compensation system to provide you with assistance and support, and make sure you recover properly from your work-related injury. In most cases, you will have a cooperative and ethical employer and will be working with a number of helpful people. The following is a brief outline of what happens next:
Your Workers compensation claim number – Once you have reported your injury the insurer will issue you your claim number. It is important because it will mark all future correspondence regarding to your claim.
Certificate of capacity – This is a way in which your doctor can communicate with all the involved parties. The certificate states the nature of your injury, your capacity for present work, and any medical treatments you will need.
Support team – These are the people who will work to help you recover while on the job in a safe and sustainable way. The members of your support team will include:
- Case Manager – The key person who assists you with any concerns or questions during your recovery. They are appointed by your employer’s insurer and will coordinate your claim.
- Doctor – The physician of your own choice who will diagnose and treat you, complete your certificate of capacity, support your recovery at work, and communicate with other members of your support team
- Employer’s Coordinator – Your employer will nominate a fellow employee to support your workplace recovery. This coordinator will consult with you, your case manager, and your doctor regarding your recovery at work plan.
Their goal is to make sure you are healthy and fit enough to return to your regular duties, and keep you participating as much as you are able to throughout your recovery!
