1. Minor Work-Related Injury Guidelines

If you are a University staff member with a minor work-related injury, you may approach your work area, who MAY consider reimbursing your injury costs, instead of compensation being sought through Comcare.  You should note that Work Areas have total discretion over payments made in relation to these Guidelines.   The University is mindful of and acknowledges that an individual has a right to claim compensation, through Comcare, even for minor injuries and that they do NOT have to avail themselves of this Guideline.

2. Definition of Minor Work-Related Injury

The University defines a minor work-related injury as, an injury:

a) that occurs while at work (not including periods of recess)

b) where there is NO expectation of ongoing symptoms, treatment or expenses,

c) resulting in no more than 3 days absence from work,

d) requiring no more than 2 visits to the doctor,

e) requiring no more diagnostic testing than 1 x-ray only (not MRI or CT scan),

f) NOT requiring any para-medical treatment (such as physiotherapy, chiropractic etc),

g) where pharmaceutical and other pharmacy expenses as recommended by the doctor, do not exceed $100, and

h) where the TOTAL COST does not exceed $300 (not counting time off work).

If total costs are to exceed $300, staff can consider claiming expenses through Comcare.

3. Notes for Staff Claiming for a Minor Work-Related Injury

a) Staff MUST report the injury/incident via the Online Incident Notification System (LINK) as well as providing their supervisor and RACLO with a printed copy of the Online Incident Notification System submission report.

b) Staff MUST present a medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner;

c) The medical certificate should certify any periods of time off work, state the nature of the medical condition and state how it is related to work;

d) Staff MUST present receipts to substantiate their claim for reimbursement;

e) The Work Area reserves the right to decide, on an individual basis, whether to pay costs associated with a minor work-related injury;

f) The University is not obliged to pay for costs associated with minor work-related injury;

g) The reimbursement of expenses under this Guideline does not imply that the University has accepted responsibility for the injury;

h) The University will only reimburse monies related to medical, pharmaceutical and x-ray expenses.  Personal effects (eg. spectacles, watches, and clothing) that are damaged in connection with a minor work-related injury  may, in exceptional circumstances, be reimbursed at the discretion of the Work Area; and

i) The University may be requested to submit staff claim records to Comcare or other agencies and will do so in accordance with the law.  Otherwise records will be held in accordance with University policy on privacy and record keeping.

4. Notes for RACLOs in Schools, Faculties or Areas

The Rehabilitation and Compensation Liaison Officer (RACLO) should note paragraph 3 of this guideline.

The RACLO is responsible for:

a) ensuring that the injured staff member completes an  Online Incident Notification ;

b) ensuring that claims for reimbursement are substantiated with a medical certificate and receipts;

c) sending the original Medical Certificate to the Rehabilitation and Workers’ Compensation Unit:

d) keeping copies of receipts;

e) advising staff about the Minor Work-Related Injury Guidelines and the option of claiming compensation through Comcare.

5.  Time off work.

The Work Area should pay Ex-gratia Sick Leave for the first 3 days off work.  A leave form should be completed specifying ex-gratia Sick Leave in the "Other Leave" check box.  A medical certificate is required to support any claim for time off work.