Injured at Work?

 

It was clear from the round of questions from the floor that Maurice Blackburn's Kim Shaw had raised some telling issues when she spoke to more than 50 ETU power industry workers on 15 December 2009.

If you’re injured at work, you should always submit a WorkCover claim. A lawyer specialising in personal injury, Ms Shaw was at pains to ensure that workers followed this golden rule. 

She went on to explain that the ETU's Protect fund was designed to fill the financial gap if a member suddenly couldn’t bring any income home due to illness, non-work related injury or road accident injury, which was quite different to WorkCover.

'If you are injured at work, WorkCover and Comcare are the only schemes that can pay you a weekly amount for time lost, plus cover associated medical costs,' Ms Shaw said.

'If you are permanently injured, you may also be entitled to impairment benefits and compensation for income loss and pain and suffering. You need to file a WorkCover claim as soon as possible after your accident because there are time limits,' she explained.

Ms Shaw’s five top tips for a WorkCover claim were:

  1. Report your injury to your employer and the ETU
  2. Visit your doctor (not just your employer’s doctor)
  3. Send a copy of your completed claim to WorkCover
  4. Do not provide a statement to a WorkCover investigator
  5. Challenge adverse WorkCover decisions.

Maurice Blackburn has offices throughout Victoria. They offer ETU members special services such as a free standard Will and free first consultation for superannuation claims including total and permanent disability, as well as road accident and WorkCover claims. For more information, click HERE for Maurice Blackburn's website  or call 1800 810 812.

 

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How do I know what I should get paid?

It can be quite complicated in determining this question. First, you have to determine what agreement covers your employment. Next, you then have to interpret the terms in the agreement. If you were a member, you will get the assistance of experienced union officials and the ETU legal department, who answers such questions like this everyday.

My husband is having problems with his employer and thinks he may be sacked. If he joins the Union will they help?

Members get the benefit of the ETU legal department that can represent them on any employment issues – including unfair dismissal. Non-members will have to get their own legal representation which will cost them potentially tens of thousands of dollars.

My son is a second year apprentice and has been working on his own and he does not get paid for overtime, is this okay for an employer to do this?

It is not okay for the Employer to do this. If your son is a member, the ETU has a designated Apprentices Officer who specializes in issues of Apprentices Supervision and Pay and will assist apprentices who are members on these and other relevant issues to the apprenticeship.
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