Employment Information
What is workers compensation?
The following information applies from 1 July 2010
The Tasmanian workers compensation system provides for payments and services to be available to a worker who suffers an injury or disease arising out of and in the course of the workers employment.
The system operates under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988. Under the Act, a worker may be entitled to compensation for
- weekly payments whilst incapacitated for work
- payment of medical and rehabilitation expenses
- lump sum compensation for permanent impairment
Compensation payments are available on a 'no-fault' basis which means that it is not necessary to prove that anyone else was at fault for causing a workers injury or disease.
The workers rehabilitation and compensation system imposes important rules and obligations on injured workers and employers which must be followed.
There is a focus on ensuring that workers, employers, medical practitioners, rehabilitation providers and insurers work to achieve early treatment, rehabilitation and return to work. This is crucial as there is evidence that the general health and wellbeing of most injured workers benefits from an early return to work.
There is another type of compensation known as common law damages which may also be available if you suffer a permanent injury/ impairment of more than 20% and can prove that your injury was caused by someone else.
Note that many of the laws governing workers rehabilitation and compensation are very complex and eligibility and entitlements will vary depending upon the circumstances.
The information provided is designed to assist you in understanding our rehabilitation and compensation system.
