Fast food workers are often young, inexperienced and unfamiliar with their employee rights; all too often they are taken advantage of or unknowingly working in unsafe conditions. Like any other worker in Australia, fast food workers have the same right to a safe and healthy work environment. Here we explain what that means, including the basic legal rights fast food workers have, and what to do if those rights are being ignored. Fast food employee rights Every worker in Australia has basic rights at work, regardless of whether they are casual, permanent or on a visa. Like all employees, fast f ..read more

By: Marisha Mees – Senior Solicitor If you have suffered a serious physical or psychological injury or illness at work, you could be eligible for worker’s compensation. As part of the worker’s compensation claims process, you may be asked to attend a Medical Assessment Tribunal (MAT). Here, our worker’s compensation experts explain what to expect at the MAT and share tips on what to consider before attending. What is the Medical Assessment Tribunal? The MAT performs part of the functions of the Workers’ Compensation Regulator in making independent, expert medical decisions about work-rela ..read more

By: Jason McAulay Teaching is one of the most difficult, yet important professions in our society. Teachers mold our children and teach them to learn. What we often forget is that teachers are not superheroes and can get hurt at work.   Do teachers get Workers’ Compensation?  In Queensland, teachers are entitled to Workers’ Compensation if or when they are injured in the course of their employment. Under the Queensland state-based Workers’ Compensation scheme, a teacher will be entitled to lodge an application for compensation if they ..read more

Every worker, no matter your position or employment status, has the right to an inclusive and safe work environment. This includes the right not to be bullied, harassed or discriminated against at work. Here we explain what to do if you are being bullied at work and workplace bullying compensation. Examples of bullying and harassment in the workplace: Workplace bullying is described as repeated behaviour which can be intentional or unintentional. Some examples include: Language which is offensive, abusive or threatening; Excluding someone deliberately; Setting unrealistic timeframes to comple ..read more

By: Jason McAulay In Queensland, we still have a very large and diverse manufacturing industry where employees perform demanding physical work. These factory workers should know what support is available when it comes to injuries in the workplace.   Causes of factory or manufacturing work accidents Factories and manufacturing centres are relatively hazardous work environments, given the physical nature of the work and use of heavy machinery, chemicals and other manufacturing aids.   Common causes of factory accidents include: Slips and fa ..read more

A mining injury can occur daily due to the dangerous and difficult working conditions that Queensland miners work in. If you are a miner and you’re injured at work, you may be eligible to lodge a miner’s compensation claim. Here, our workers’ compensation claims experts break down the process for making miners’ compensation claims and what you should be aware of when lodging this type of claim. What are the most common mining accidents? Mining injuries and accidents often result in extended time off work, which negatively impacts a miner’s lifestyle. Common miners’ injuries include: Cuts and ..read more

Everyone has the right to feel safe, supported and protected at work, both physically and mentally. However, some industries are more at risk to psychological injuries in comparison to others. Here we explain how we can provide advice to those who have suffered a psychological injury whilst employed, in both: Statutory Claims – Also known as a ‘no-fault scheme’ in Queensland and are governed by legislation. It means that Queensland workers have the right to apply for statutory benefits, no matter whom or what was at fault for their injury. This type of compensation can include weekly payme ..read more

By Melinda Lovell If you’ve suffered a psychological injury at work, then you may be entitled to compensation. If your psychological injury resulted from your employer’s negligence, you may be able to access damages. Here we explain what types of psychological injuries you may be able to claim for, how to prove your claim, what time limits apply, and what to do if your claim is rejected. What can cause a psychological injury? Workplace psychological injuries can be caused by a range of factors, like: Excessive workload Bullying and harassment Toxic workplace environment Lack of procedural fai ..read more

By: Melinda Lovell If you have suffered an injury in the course of your employment, whether physical or psychological, you are entitled to lodge a statutory claim for WorkCover benefits if your employer is insured under the state-based scheme.  A WorkCover claim will be accepted if you can establish that:- You are a worker;  You have suffered a personal injury; and  Your work was a significant contributing factor to your injury.  What type of work injuries can I claim WorkCover for? Each ..read more

By: Melinda Lovell Sciaccas Lawyers are proud to provide legal services to Emergency Services Workers. We offer a number of services free of charge and/or on a no win, no fee basis, depending on the nature of the claim and the prospects of success.  If a worker suffers an injury in the course of their employment, whether physical or psychological, they are entitled to lodge a statutory claim for WorkCover benefits.   We encourage workers to seek our advice prior to lodging their application with WorkCover to give themselves the best chance of having ..read more