A worker who lost his sense of smell and taste after working in a confined space has been awarded workers' compensation for a psychological injury. Also in this article, a cleaner who injured her back in 2004 has been denied ongoing compensation.
Right of entry provisions to change; Queensland unions demand answers over delay of workers' comp review; NSW worker fatally struck by reversing loader; ACT offers funds for workplace health and wellbeing initiatives; and South Australian Return to Work Awards open.
A Queensland labour-hire worker who injured his back while moving crates has been awarded $43,000 in damages, after the Supreme Court was told the trolleys provided for the task were impractical.
CFMEU issues heat policy after builders "forced" to work in heatwave; AWU calls for action after two firefighters killed; Queensland workers' comp report delayed as QCU issues protest warning; Unions campaign for more asbestos-eradication funds; and New health tests for rail workers must be matched by wellness programs, says RBTU.
A truck driver, whose workers' comp payments were suspended when he refused to undertake a RTW program, has had his appeal dismissed in the AAT. Also in this article, a Telstra team leader who took 154 sick leave days has lost her bid for workers' compensation.
A Victorian worker, who was assaulted by a youth while he was employed to dress up as Santa Claus at a shopping centre, has been denied damages in a unanimous Court of Appeal decision.
The Western Australian District Court has found a nurse's roster was changed unfairly, and her managers treated staff in a "heavy-handed" way, but rejected her $1.6 million psychiatric injury claim.
Employer faces Federal Court again for suspending injured worker; WorkCover SA promises new approach under different management team; and Expiry period extended for photos on Qld explosives licences.
Employers must ensure all elements of a workers' comp claim are considered and communicated to the injured worker, or risk facing litigation, a Federal Court decision has shown.