Doctors' reports on injured workers are "sorely lacking" a demonstrated understanding of workplaces or the inherent requirements of injured workers' jobs, according to a Maurice Blackburn lawyer.
When workers who have diabetes take sick leave, concerned managers should ask them a number of specific questions, such as whether they're experiencing foot problems, to ensure no complications arise from their ill health, says diabetes expert Victoria Stevenson.
The Victorian Supreme Court has quashed another WorkCover medical panel decision, after it found the panel relied on just one of numerous medical reports on an injured worker in determining he was fit for work.
Training line managers to have an "early conversation" with workers - who start taking regular sick leave - can prevent such issues escalating into workers' comp or harassment disputes, according to Sparke Helmore Lawyers partner David Davies.
First NT employer fined under model WHS Act; Two in five incapacitated workers unsure of RTW goals; WorkCover SA overhaul to include early-intervention call centre; Qld employers' absence rates and reputations to improve under new wellbeing program; and Alert and video released after young workers killed.
An injured Victorian worker who refused to return to work, because he believed he was mistreated by his employer, has had his workers' comp reinstatement claim rejected in the Magistrates Court.
A recent unfair dismissal case - successfully defended by an employer - shows how important it is for employers to carefully consider the capacity of absent injured workers, according to workplace relations lawyer Michael Selinger.
Victoria, South Australia and the Seacare scheme have the lowest return-to-work rates in the country, according to Safe Work Australia's new return-to-work "monitor". Also in this article, an Adelaide physio has been found guilty of overcharging WorkCover SA.
