The Workers Compensation Act was recently amended by the Covid-19 Legislation Amendment [Emergency Measures – Miscellaneous] Bill 2020 (NSW), allowing workers in certain industries to gain easier access to workers compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19 in the course of their employment.
Prior to the changes, workers who contracted COVID-19 had to prove that it was causally related to their workplace and that employment was a substantial contributing factor to the disease. This proved difficult given the scope of potential sources of infection outside of the workplace environment.
The law now provides that if a worker in prescribed employment contracts COVID-19, there is a presumption that the disease was contracted in the course of their employment and that the employment was a substantial contributing factor.
This ensures that workers who have suffered permanent impairment, such as serious injuries to their respiratory system, will face less hurdles in accessing their entitlements.
If you would like to discuss your potential workers compensation rights, call Antonela Josipovic on 6648 7487.
This article is intended to be for information and educational purposes only and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. The information may not apply to your circumstances or to your particular situation. If you need specific advice or you have any questions, we welcome you to contact us directly.
