Accident/Incident Reporting and Making a Workers Compensation Claim

Flinders University staff based at Flinders Medical Centre

1. An accident may involve injury to a staff member or other person, damage to equipment or buildings or both. It may include fire, electrical, spillage, equipment or journey accidents during the course of the working day.

2. Journey accidents to and from work are not covered by the Workers' Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, 1986. However, some reimbursement may be available in accordance with the Collective Workplace Agreement 2006-2008. Contact Personnel Policy and Practice for further information

3. If an injury is incurred then treatment should be obtained from the staff member's own doctor, unless treatment is required immediately from either a First Aider, or the Flinders Medical Centre.

If a doctor is consulted the staff member must advise him or her that the injury is work related and obtain a Workers Compensation Medical Certificate from the doctor.The staff member must then make a Workers Compensation Claim.

4. All accidents and incidents must be immediately reported orally to the supervisor of the staff member concerned and to the Area Health and Safety Representative.

5. The person involved in the accident must complete a Flinders Medical Centre "Accident/Incident Report Form" as soon as practicable and forward it on to their supervisor.

6. Where, due to the accident, the person concerned is unable to complete an "Accident/Incident Report Form" then arrangements must be made for his or her supervisor to complete the form. These forms must be completed no later than 24 hours after the accident/incident.

7. The completed form must be forwarded to the supervisor concerned who undertakes an investigation of the accident/incident and completes the section at the back of the form. The supervisor may suggest alternative measures which could prevent a similar accident occurring in the future. The completed form must then be sent to the Flinders Medical Centre's OHS Unit who will register the accident and send a copy of the form to the Flinders University OHS Unit.

8. If the supervisor is absent from work the staff member must forward the form directly to the FMC's Occupational Health and Safety Unit.

9. The University is required, pursuant to the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act, 1986 and via the Occupational Health and Safety Unit to notify Workplace Services of all work injuries which occur where:

(1) that injury results in the death of a staff member;

and/or;

(2) injury is caused by:

i. an explosion or fire;

ii. electric shock; or

iii exposure to any form of liquid, gas, vapours, dust or fumes;

and;

(3) the injury results in the person being admitted to hospital overnight.

10. Where an accident occurs which involves only damage to equipment, plant or a building, immediate notification, for insurance purposes must be given to the Insurance Officer, (82 2618). Such accidents must also be reported to the Occupational Health and Safety Unit as noted above.

11. If an injury has occurred that has resulted in 3 or more days off work then the Head of the Flinders University OH&S Unit must be advised on (82 3703).

Making a Workers Compensation Claim

If a staff member is injured during working hours they are entitled to lodge a workers compensation claim.

To place a workers compensation claim the staff member must consult a doctor (registered medical practitioner).

The staff member must advise the treating doctor that the injury is work related and obtain a Workers Compensation Medical Certificate from the doctor.

The staff member must also complete a WorkCover "Worker Report Form" available from the School office, the Librarian and the Flinders University Occupational Health & Safety Unit.

The completed WorkCover "Worker Report Form", University "Accident/Incident Report Form" and Workers Compensation Medical Certificate should be sent to the Flinders University Occupational Health and Safety Unit. The OH&S Unit will forward the claim to the Claims Management Unit for assessment.

The staff member is legally responsible for all medical and associated costs until the Claims Management Unit has accepted the claim. Accounts should therefore be addressed to the staff member NOT the University, please advise treatment providers of this.

The staff member, supervisor and department are then notified that the claim has been lodged, and are later notified by the Claims Management Unit whether or not the claim has been accepted.

If a claim is accepted, all accounts for medical expenses relating to that injury must be forwarded to the OH&S Unit for registration prior to payment by the Claims Management Unit. This includes all accounts from approved treating practitioners (physiotherapist etc), all travel expenses (a recording form can be obtained from the Flinders University OH&S Unit) and all pharmaceutical expenses related to the treatment program.

If the injury is such that three or more days off work are required then Vocational Rehabilitation may be required to assist with return to work. The Flinders University OH&S Unit must be advised of any such absence following a work injury/illness.

Updated: 26 March 2007