Work cover,the stigma.

[sueoc]

Hi,it has become apparent to me that Employers are extremely over zealous when processing Resumes to find out if prospective applicants have ever been on work cover,to a degree i can understand their concern,however i have spoken to several Aussies on this subject,and the general opinion is that Employers will not entertain anyone who has been on work cover for problems like bad backs.This can have serious repercussions for anyone in the workplace,as some Employers here will "edge you out"where there is a problem,and the result could quite feasibly be that your working life here is effectively over.Has anyone had problems with Work Cover,and the attached Stigma?

[Guest kangomik]

To be honest mate, the same thing happens in the UK. More and more ask about medical details. Some companys would even look at Dr's records if a claim was made against them. And if found you had not delared these problems you had no case.

 

Depending on the type of work a bad back is par for the course in my trade. Thats not to say that if it is damaged at work you should not be compensated.

Once its gone its always going to go at some point in the future.

[suzer]

In the US it's illegal for employers to ask anything about medical past as they are not allowed to discriminate based on health, so when I was in the UK I felt like any of that stuff was none of their business. I still feel that way here but am interested to learn more about the actual legality of it all.

[sduffy]

Sue,from what my hubby tells me it would appear that your comments are very reflective of the position .Workcover is often the death knell for future employment.i think the problem is is that due to the fact that a lot of employers here are small Businesses or sole traders they cant as afford a Workcover claim,as in some cases they are managing on a week to week basis and such a claim could literally put them out of business.

 

My hubby knows of someone who was an employer, who sustained quite a serious injury at his firm, but couldnt afford to make a claim on Workcover as it would have shut down his business and put several people out of work.He has suffered long term health probs as a result.

 

Workcover on paper sounds fine but in reality is a can of worms.

 

Sue

[Guest Libby1971]

I'm in a workcover situation at the moment. I was travelling from work to a compulsory course and was involved in a car accident, causing some muscle damage which is being very slow to heal. I am still receiving treatment from a variety of sources, I have an OT coming into work and a rehab consultant from my employers insurers. And my doc is trying to certify me fit for work and normal duties as they are saying that if they don't then future employment is affected. Right now, I couldn't give a rats a*se about future employment. I'd just like to be able to keep this job and complete a full week at work without having to take time off for being in pain. No-one at work is saying anything to me about this, but I am feeling more and more pressured and increasingly ineffective at doing my job when I can't complete a working week and haven't done so since 12th March.

[suzer]

Are you working at all right now Libby? Who is making you feel pressured?

[sduffy]

Libby,the drs here do seem to be very much on the side of employers.My hubby who suffers from severe sleep apnea went to the drs a while back with severe dizziness and nausea,turned out his blood pressure was through the roof ,he had a couple of days off as a result,had only 4 days off sick in nearly four yrs.

 

After a day off his employer required a sick note ,he went to the dr who was obstructive about providing a sick note for the second day.My hubby pointed out that as he had to use dangerous power tools and had a long journey to work he considered it dangerous feeling as bad as he did to go into work.

 

He found it rather alarming that a doctor would have even questioned this.In the Uk feeling as he did he would probably have had an extra few days off.

 

Think the attitude here is very harsh and frankly wreckless towards a lot of employees.

 

I sympathise with your predicament,not a nice place to be.Feeling pressured and in pain.

 

Hope you feel better soon.

 

Sue

[suzer]

It very much depends on the doctor. Definitely worth switching if you have someone like that. That's ridiculous behaviour on the dr's part.

[Guest Libby1971]

Sue, there is no polite way to say this., Your husband's doctor is a p*cking frat. Chuck a tub of those wooden tongue sticks at him!

 

I'm working...of sorts.

 

Prior to the hols I was working Mon and Tues. By Tues recess/ breaktime I was in so much I could barely think straight for the rest of the day. I spend the afternoon preparing the work that my classes would do on Weds and Thurs. Back in on Fri to pick up the pieces, find out if the classes were actually were they were supposed to be adn then that's how things have been since March. I spent almost every day of the 2 week break having one appt or another - acupuncture is the latest thrilling installment in my life. I had to go to the city to see a rehab person who is trying to tell me that the workcover insurance thing won't cover more than 2 treatments a week now as they think I should be improving. My GP is telling me that he has no idea why it is taking so long for em to be better. The Rehab peson then tells me that backs are funny things anyway and that what works for one may not work for another and I am in the middle thinking...I want Thorntons Truffles. And I want them now.

 

Pressured...well, that's where it gets fuzzy. I'm told that the employer can't put pressure on me. Directly none but indirectly, there's stacks I am dealing with. I just think, no, I don't need this, don't want this, leave me alone! This week I have had a serious problem with my asthma. I've just avoided being taken into hospital although the doc is still threatening me with it for next week (*sigh*), I've done nothing for work but had roughly 20 emails every day to respond to. I am sure that the stress of the workcover situation is having an effect on this.

 

It's a very confusing situation to be in. And the legalities of it all are doing my head in. This is one area that I never even thought of researching while I was in the UK!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for encouragement though

[suzer]

Have you considered switching doctors Libby?

[wizzywozza]

Welcome to the Australian work force! It is, and always has been, 30 years behind the UK in terms of the way management treat injured employees.

 

I've seen and heard horror stories about people who are on Workcover for the entire 18 years I've lived here. A very good friend of mine was treated like a pariah for a work sustained injury - it almost drove her to suicide. Eventually she took a lump sum payout, (basically offered to get her 'off the books' so to speak, so she is no longer under Workcover), but also not able to claim any further ongoing medical treamtent relating to that injury. The company she works for has, and still does, make her working life diificult because they would just love it if she left their employ now as she is regarded as a liability. (Sad to say I now do the job she injured herself doing).

 

And yes ........ some doctors are really funny about Workcover patients. It seems to be the norm here to force people back to work as quickly as possible, even before any decent recovery is made from injury or illness. And most workplaces do now require a docs cert from day one of sickness. (You can also get a cert from a pharmacist). Check your industry award or your contract of employment for your employers certificate requirements.

 

The best advice is try not to get injured in the first place, although unfortunately as with Libby it was something that was unavoidable and not her fault.

 

Sharon

[suzer]

And yes ........ some doctors are really funny about Workcover patients. It seems to be the norm here to force people back to work as quickly as possible, even before any decent recovery is made from injury or illness.

 

In this case, you need to switch doctors.

[Scousemouse]

I got into trouble at work for having a pop at a consultant for his appalling attitude to a "workcover" patient; he gave me an earbashing about "bloody BRITISH welfare spongers transposing the concept onto AUSSIE workers"; suffice to say, i returned the compliment about Greeks, doctors and the social respomsibility employers have towards injured employees!!!!!!!

 

Libby; are you saying you are having more than 2 sessions of acupuncture a week? This is an absolute no, no; as a licenced practitioner, i wouldnt even suggest it............it isnt how it works; also you sound like the treatment is unpleasant, then your therapist isnt very good! Find someone else.............

[Diane]

I can recommend an excellent acupuncturist if you need one. She is really lovely, very gentle and very knowledgeable about it, and happy to explain. Send me a PM if you need her contact details.

 

PS Just remembered too,Myers were selling Thorntons truffles around Easter time, next time I go through there i'll see if they any left for you Libby!

[Guest Libby1971]

I think I might cry...Thorntons Truffles, here in Adelaide, it's all too much.

 

Yes I had acupuncture more than once in a week but it was only twice for two weeks (does that make sense)

 

I haven't had any treatments for the last 2 weeks as my health hasn't been good. I have now used all my sick leave for the year as well so you can imagine how delighted I am at the moment. I tried to go to work on Monday, disastrous. I was sent home before morning tea! The management are being very kind and supportive, which is a relief and also humbling at the same time.

 

Did you say the truffles were at Myers? I shall wheeze myself all across Adelaide (I sound so pathetic) in order to locate some. I'd be prepared to fill a trolley with Viennese truffles or a Vanilla or a Seville Orange or a ... or a ...

[Scousemouse]

Ah, Darling, remember, a moment on the lips.....................hence my voluptuous figure, lol

 

fill ya boots and bugga it.................greatest analgesia known to woman, chocolate!!!!

[Rachiegarlo]

I'd ring first to make sure they have got them in.

[sduffy]

:v_SPIN:I concur with sharons comments ,they are so behind here in how employers treat employees.

 

My hubby had something in his eye,not sure what.It was removed at our local surgery by the dr and he was told to wear a patch for 24 hrs and rest his eye,as it had scratched his eye. Needed one day on the sick and his employer asked for a medical certificate from the doctor.I just cant believe how draconian employers here are.

 

I think it is so insulting ,it basically implies that all employees cant be trusted.

 

In the Uk i have worked for a couple of incredibly ethical and family friendly employers s cant believe how awful it is here.Following a serious illness for which i was paid my full salary for over 3 months my employer insisted upon my return that i was not to work full time hrs for at least a month,as they wanted to ensure i was fully recovered.

 

I feel sorry for the poor employees here, thats why so many become self employed clearly.

 

A sorry state of affairs.

 

Sue

[Guest tooeasy]

I know quite a lot of employers in the building industry will not employ anyone who has been on work cover whatevver the reason its one of the 1st questions they ask you

[wizzywozza]

Generally if you are injured at work and under the Workcover system, you have to see the doctors your employer sends you to. Most companies have a preferred GP or clinic where they send work related injured employees.

[suzer]

Generally if you are injured at work and under the Workcover system, you have to see the doctors your employer sends you to. Most companies have a preferred GP or clinic where they send work related injured employees.

 

Not true; see here:

http://main.workcover.com/site/workers/what_next/who_does_what_in_the_workers_rehabilitation_and_compensation_system.aspx#186*Who%20does%20what%20in%20the%20workers%20%20rehabilitation%20and%20compensation%20system

"A health provider helps with medical or health care so you can return to work or the community. Your doctor, physiotherapist or specialist are all health providers and they should all work together to help you recover. Health providers must be registered with a relevant board, and/or have an agreement with WorkCoverSA. You can choose your own health provider or view a list of recognised providers and services."

[Guest graandjac]

I know a pom who had a work accident within 6 months of being here and has been on work cover for the past .......wait for it 3 years .......now i can see why employers dont like it....cant blame them

[suzer]

Has anyone found anything concrete about how it all affects future employment?