In the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, many employers have been trying to come to sensible arrangements with their staff, to deploy them in a different capacity, or with a variety of more flexible measures, only to realise they would be breaking Modern Award conditions for them to do so. … keep reading
One of the most common questions we’re receiving from our clients is in relation to Workers’ Compensation, also known as WorkCover Queensland.
Under the Workers’ Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld), for any claim to be accepted, whether it be injury or illness, basic criteria must be met;
· the claim was made within the required timeframes;
· the worker was in fact a ‘worker’;
· an injury (diagnosis of COVID-19) has occurred;
· the exposure to COVID-19 occurred in the work environment; and
· the work exposure was a significant contributing factor to the COVID-19 diagnosis.
The challenge we face is predominantly around the last two components, especially as this infection is so easily spread.
Where a claim is lodged for potential COVID-19, WorkCover will also require:
· medical confirmation of COVID-19 diagnosis; and
· evidence to demonstrate that your COVID-19 exposure occurred within your work environment; and
· medical confirmation that your employment was a significant contributing factor to the contraction of COVID-19
Depending on the circumstances, WorkCover may require further information.
WorkCover however still may reject the claim if they are not satisfied the workplace was a significant factor in the diagnosis.
If a worker is found to have COVID-19, please contact us immediately so we can best guide you through this process. This is especially helpful for reducing any unnecessary stress you may be feeling at this time.
We are here to SUPPORT YOU.
Below is a link to WorkSafe Queensland if you require more information.
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/claims-and-return-to-work/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-faqs
If you require more information on any of the support solutions available to you or your business, here are some important links we’ve shared from Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, recent email.
Business.gov.au support line:
13 28 46
Small or medium business with reduced cash flow?
Here’s what we’re doing to boost your cash flow.
Is your business financially distressed?
This is what we’re doing to support you.
Assisting the economic recovery
Here’s how we’ll support you to grow.
Employ an apprentice or trainee?
This support is for you.
Are you a sole trader that has lost business?
This is what we’re doing to support you and your business.
Household finances hit by reduced work?
Here’s what we’re doing to help support your family budget.
Payments to support households.
For more information on Coronavirus and the Government’s response, please visit: www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus or www.australia.gov.au
*This is general information only and doesn’t take your specific circumstances into account.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow, however, we understand that this is a tumultuous time and redundancies may be on the cards for a variety of workplaces. As the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the world, it’s inevitable that there will be wide-reaching implications.
Through effective social-distancing and hand-washing, amongst other measures, we’re hopeful for all the business owners and employees reading this, but we’re realistic that some employers may need to understand their obligations NOW.
To help the small businesses in our network, we’re sharing (without any requirement to add email details etc.) our Guide to Redundancies. It offers practical, straightforward information to help with these tough decisions moving forward.
You can access a PDF copy of the guide by clicking here.
If you’re unsure about the next steps to take in your business, give our Workplace Partners a call on 1300 766 380.
*This is general information only and doesn’t take your specific circumstances into account.
It’s hard to escape the news regarding COVID-19 at the moment. To ensure clear and consistent communication with our clients and staff, we have issued the below statement. As we endeavour to support you in your businesses through these uncertain times, please always feel welcome to call us on 1300 766 380 should you ever need support or advice regarding your workplace. … keep reading
It’s not something any business wants to consider, but with the global Coronavirus pandemic, it is something that needs to be thoroughly thought about. What would you do if you and your staff had to be quarantined? How would you continue your business services uninterrupted for that 3 – 4 week period (maybe even more)? How ‘remote’ can your business truly operate? To help you out here are 5 key ways to take your business virtual and in the process, take advantage of the Coronavirus pandemic. … keep reading
Commencing in November 2018, the Fair Work Commission has been slowly introducing increases to the penalty rates under the General Retail Industry Award 2010. These more regular, smaller increases were designed to, in theory, lessen the impact on employers in this industry, whilst still passing on the penalty rate increase. … keep reading
You know the scenario. Your alarm buzzes. Time to get up and get ready for work. You hit the snooze, roll over and go back to sleep. 10 minutes later it buzzes again. You sigh, stare at the ceiling and start contemplating how much it would cost to replace your phone because you are very likely to throw it out the window one of these mornings to silence that damn thing. Finally, begrudgingly, you get up and start getting ready for work. … keep reading
Have you made the changes required, to reflect the new arrangements for modern award- based, salary employees? These changes will apply from 1 March 2020 and don’t have a grace period. If your business employs salaried staff through any of the listed awards below, you need to be prepared for these upcoming changes: … keep reading
As the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus continues, we know that it has impacted Australian businesses in numerous ways. From reduced revenues due to drastic tourism drops, through to concerns among staff and customers, it can be a challenging time to be in business. … keep reading
In a fascinating case finalised in the Fair Work Commission last month, a Brisbane beautician had her general protections dispute involving dismissal dismissed, in part, thanks to evidence found on social media and submitted by her former employer, Brazilian Beauty. … keep reading