Hallam company guilty of not helping injured worker back to work

01 April 2008

Staff and administration services company, T.D Admin Enterprises Pty Ltd, pleaded guilty in the Dandenong Magistrates Court on 31 March to failing to prepare a return to work plan for an injured worker.

The Court heard that the worker suffered a back injury in December 2006. Despite her workers compensation claim being accepted, T.D Admin Enterprises failed to prepare a return to work plan within the legally required 10 days.

A plan was not completed until nearly five months later, despite the worker initiating contact on several occasions to discuss her return to work.

T.D Admin Enterprises was charged with not complying with workers compensation laws and was fined $2,000.

WorkSafe Executive Director, Len Boehm said helping an injured worker return to work is good for the worker, their families, workmates and for business.

“Following an injury, the return to work process should commence as soon as possible. 

“An employer is responsible for conducting an analysis of the type and level of support required by an injured worker and maintaining regular communication during all stages of the recovery.

Mr Boehm said that identifying and prosecuting cases like this helps to build awareness among employers about their legal obligations to support injured workers and the importance of helping an injured worker return to work.

“WorkSafe is committed to doing everything it can to ensure injured workers receive the care and support they need to re-enter the workplace.”