GIO Workers Compensation Tasmania

Generally, the worker’s reasonable and necessary medical expenses are covered for up to one year after their entitlement to weekly compensation payments ends. However, the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Tribunal (Tribunal) has the power to extend the employer’s liability for medical expenses in a number of circumstances.

Medical expenses may include:

• Costs associated with pharmaceutical, ambulance, hospital, nursing, rehabilitation or constant attendance services.
• Examination or treatment by medical practitioners, physiotherapists, dentists, opticians, chiropractors, osteopaths, etc.
• Reimbursement of the injured worker’s reasonable travelling expenses in connection with medical appointments. Travel involving a motor vehicle is reimbursed at the rate set down in the Tasmanian State Service Award.

Even if a new claim is yet to be accepted - pending further information - an employer is usually expected to meet the cost of a worker’s medical and rehabilitation expenses, up to a limit of $5,000.

Accounts for medical expenses must be forwarded by the worker to their employer within 7 days of receipt, and similarly by the employer to their insurer within 7 days of receipt.

If an employer or worker wants to question the weekly compensation payment rate, a referral needs to be made to the Tribunal asking for a review. Some types of referrals have time limits and must come with certain documents.

An employer may reduce or stop a worker’s weekly payments only when:

The worker has returned to work.

• The worker is receiving more than the weekly payment (payment above compensation).
• A medical practitioner examines the worker and certifes they’ve wholly or substantially recovered from the work injury.
• The Tribunal determines payment should be either reduced, stopped or, in some cases, increased.
• If there’s a change in the ordinary hourly rate of pay during a period of incapacity, the weekly payment should be increased or decreased by that amount.

If an employer intends to stop weekly compensation payments altogether, they usually need medical reasons for doing so and must advise the worker in writing ten days beforehand.

Yes, the employer must notify WorkSafe Tasmania as soon as possible if any of the following incidents have occurred in the workplace:

• a death, or
• someone suffers a serious injury or illness, or
• a dangerous incident.

Electric shocks must also be reported to TasNetworks on 13 20 04.

To contact WorkSafe Tasmania from Tasmania, call 1300 366 322. Outside Tasmania, call 03 6166 4600.

For more information in respect to the definition of a serious injury or illness, and a dangerous incident contact WorkSafe Tasmania.

An employer has 48 hours, to complete and lodge an Incident Notification Form online.