Working in healthcare isn’t for the faint-hearted. Day after day, you’re on the front lines, battling stress, sleep deprivation and long hours. Healthcare workers do it all. From lifting patients and handling emergencies to managing infections - they do it all to keep others safe and healthy.
But what happens when the tables turn, and you find yourself injured on the job? If someone else’s negligence has put you out of commission, it’s not just your health on the line - it’s your financial security, too.
Understanding Workers' Compensation for Healthcare Workers in Queensland
In Queensland, workers’ compensation operates under a no-fault scheme managed by WorkCover Queensland. This means that, regardless of who was at fault for the injury, you’re still entitled to compensation.
The scheme exists to provide essential support and financial assistance to help injured workers recover and get back on their feet, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Whether the injury was due to a workplace accident or unexpected hazard, this safety net aims to ensure workers receive the care and support they need during recovery.
Common Injuries for Healthcare Workers in Queensland
Queensland healthcare workers encounter a wide range of occupational hazards daily, including:
Musculoskeletal Injuries/ Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive movements and manual handling tasks like lifting patients can lead to acute muscle pain, repetitive strain injuries, or other chronic conditions. According to Safe Work Australia, these injuries rank among the most frequent in healthcare environments, highlighting the physical toll of such essential, yet strenuous, tasks.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Environmental risks, like wet floors or cluttered hallways, can lead to unexpected slips, trips, and falls. It’s crucial to report any incidents and get medical attention right away, even if you feel fine - what seems minor now could develop into something more serious.
Exposure to Illness
Healthcare workers are constantly exposed to infectious diseases, from COVID-19 to seasonal flu and beyond. Each case is reviewed individually to determine eligibility for compensation, so it’s important to document and report exposures promptly.
Psychological Illnesses
Healthcare workers, especially those in emergency departments and first responders are at higher risk for psychological injuries such as PTSD, adjustment disorder, depression, and anxiety. Common causes include exposure to traumatic events, workplace violence, bullying, long hours, and high-stress environments.
To claim compensation for a psychological injury, you must be diagnosed with a recognised psychiatric illness (not just work-related stress) by a GP or psychologist. You need to show that your work was a significant contributing factor, and provide medical evidence (e.g., psychological assessments, GP reports).
If there was negligence by the employer, you may also be entitled to make a ‘common law’ claim for a lump sum, tax-free payout via a personal injury lawyer such as Smith’s Lawyers.
In Queensland, to be eligible for workers’ compensation for psychological injury, you must have a permanent impairment rating of at least 15% and prove that your employer's negligence caused the injury.
Example: An emergency department nurse develops PTSD after repeated exposure to traumatic incidents without adequate debriefing or mental health support. If the hospital ignored prior complaints about insufficient staffing or trauma protocols, the nurse could claim common law damages for negligence, seeking compensation for lost earnings, medical costs, and pain and suffering.
Common law (claims via a lawyer) payouts in Queensland for psychological injuries averaged $188,794 in 2022–23, reflecting the severity of these cases.
High-Risk Healthcare Jobs
However, certain roles in healthcare in Queensland come with even higher injury risks. For instance:
- Nurses and Aged Care Workers: Nurses and aged care workers are one of the most important healthcare workers. However, these vital frontline workers face some of the highest rates of serious injury claims in the industry. For example, nurses frequently need to lift, reposition patients, and experience unpredictable environments. These movements can lead to strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
- Medical Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and other health workers in the medical field encounter daily physical demands. These often result in back, shoulder, and knee problems. The repetitive motions, long hours on their feet, and physical tasks associated with patient care make these injuries all too common, highlighting the need for ergonomic practices and proper support.
Your Rights Under WorkCover QLD
If a healthcare worker in QLD gets injured at work, here is what they should do:
- Notify your employer immediately: Report the incident to your supervisor or HR as soon as possible – it’s essential for documentation and the claims process.
- Seek medical attention: Visit a healthcare provider to assess your injury, and make sure to get a workers' compensation medical certificate to support your claim.
- Lodge your claim with WorkCover Queensland: Submit your claim promptly to ensure you're eligible for compensation.
- Keep records of everything: Hold onto all documents related to your injury, medical treatment, and claim. This includes medical reports, receipts, and any communication with WorkCover or your employer. Staying organised will help streamline your claim and safeguard your rights.
When Common Law Claims Apply
While statutory claims are the usual route for compensation, some situations call for a common law claim, especially when employer negligence plays a role. Common law claims allow you to seek additional damages but can only move forward after lodging and having a statutory claim accepted. Successful common law claims can offer compensation for:
- Economic loss: Covering lost income and future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Recognising the personal and emotional toll of the injury.
- Legal costs: Helping with the expenses of pursuing your claim.
- Medical and hospital expenses: Addressing ongoing and future treatment needs.
As common law claims are complex, they typically require guidance from a compensation lawyer who can help navigate the legal process and maximise your entitlements.
Advocating for Workplace Safety
Prevention is always better than a cure. So advocating for safety to prevent injuries is crucial. Therefore, healthcare workers in Queensland should take action if they notice:
- Unsafe Lifting Practices: Report any concerns to management or WorkSafe Queensland. Proper equipment should be given to all workers in the medical space. Also, protocols around lifting to prevent musculoskeletal injuries need to be in place.
- Hazardous Conditions: Workers should raise all concerns about unsafe conditions with their employer or WorkSafe Queensland to prevent future injuries.
- Environmental Risks: And finally, remember to participate in workplace inspections regularly. This helps identify problems before an accident or injury. Then, report any hazards like slippery floors straight away.
Recent Statistics
As per the Queensland Workers’ Compensation Scheme Statistics 2022–23, the healthcare and social assistance industry accounted for the largest proportion of statutory claim lodgements, representing 15.5% of all claims. This sector also led in statutory claim payments, comprising 15.2% of the total payments, amounting to $214 million.
With five recorded fatal incidents, healthcare may show a lower number of fatal claims compared to other sectors, but the data reveals the significant financial and operational toll that workplace injuries take on the industry.
This increase in claims points to the ongoing, daily challenges healthcare workers endure, emphasising an urgent call for improved safety protocols and proactive health initiatives.
Protecting Your Rights and Wellbeing
Healthcare workers in Queensland should understand their rights and how to access WorkCover benefits in case of injury.
Check your rights: Smith's Lawyers are healthcare injury compensation experts offering risk-free claims with no upfront costs and free initial consultations. Request a free case review below or call us now on 1800 960 482.
