Does Workcover Cover Travel To And From Work Victoria?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Employees working remotely or at home are not traveling to and from work

, so the coming and going rule would not apply. They will still be eligible for workers’ comp benefits, even if any travel is required at the request of their employer.

What does WorkCover cover in Victoria?

WorkCover insurance

covers employers for the cost of benefits if employees are injured or become ill because of their work

. It is compulsory for Victorian employers and is funded by their contributions. replacement of lost income. medical and rehabilitation treatment costs. legal costs.

Are journey claims covered in Victoria?

Possible Compensation for Injured Employees

Generally,

you will not need to pay compensation for any injuries on a journey to or from work

. This is unless there is a connection between their employment and the accident which caused the injury.

What worker entitlements are covered by the workers compensation legislation in Victoria?

WorkSafe provides support and financial compensation to the families of people who have died as a result of a work-related injury or illness. WorkSafe can cover expenses including

medical services for the deceased person such as ambulance, hospital and treatment, burial or cremation and family counselling services

.

Are employers responsible for employees travelling to work?

The most relevant legal obligation that could apply to the daily commute is the

statutory duty not to subject employees to a detriment or to dismiss them for taking action because of a serious and imminent danger they believe they face to their health and safety.

Does an employer’s duty of care extend to commuting to work?

Under the existing legislation,

an employer’s duties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees only extend to the workplace or where an employee is acting in the course of their employment

. With very limited exceptions, that does not include risks they may face while travelling to and from work.

How long can you stay on WorkCover in Victoria?

How long can you be on WorkCover in Victoria? Most people can stay on WorkCover payments for

up to 130 weeks

. Longer if they have no capacity. They’re entitled to medical expenses, generally speaking, for one year after their last weekly payment.

Do you accrue annual leave on WorkCover in Victoria?


Yes. If you have an accepted WorkCover claim in Victoria and you remain employed and on weekly payments, you’ll continue to accrue annual leave entitlements as if you were working normally

.

How much does WorkCover cost Vic?

The average premium rate for 2021/22 is

1.272% of the state’s rateable remuneration

. A table setting out WorkCover insurance industry rates and industry claims cost rates for 2021/22.

What happens if I have an accident at work?

If you are injured at work it is important to

report the incident to your employer as soon as possible

. Your employer’s initial concern should be to ensure that you are free from immediate danger and to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This could be from a first aider or through calling an ambulance.

Is an employer liable for an employee’s car accident Australia?


An employer may be responsible if the accident was their employee’s fault and the employee was driving for work

. This is called ‘vicarious liability’. If you are an employer and your employee caused an accident whilst driving for work or whilst using the work car, you should get legal advice.

Do I get paid if I have an accident at work?

An an employee,

your employer is required by law to pay you a portion of your salary while you are recovering from your work-related injury or illness

. However, your employer will not be paying this directly from the company’s funds.

What does workers compensation not cover?


An injury that does not lead to fatality or partial disability after 3 days

will not cover. Any liability towards contractual employees unless contractual employee cover purchased by an employer. Any unspecified liability towards employees on a contractual basis. If any health risk under the influence of drugs or …

What happens after 52 weeks on WorkCover Victoria?

The test for entitlement to medical and like expenses changes after a worker has received 52 weeks of weekly payments. While

the test becomes more restrictive after the 52-week period expires, WorkCover insurers rarely enforce it

.

Does WorkCover affect future employment?

Does workers compensation / WorkCover affect future employment? Generally,

employers are not allowed to discriminate against someone who has made a WorkCover or workers compensation claim

. In fact, Federal Fair Work legislation prohibits employers from refusing to hire a worker who has made a claim.

Does your employer have to provide transport?


Employers are not obliged to provide transport to employees who perform night work

but transport must be available between the workplace and the employee’s place of residence. However, this transport must be suitable.

What is classed as reasonable Travelling distance?

Reasonable Commuting Distance means

a distance that is fewer than 50 straight-line miles from the Business Employee’s principal residence

. In addition, a distance that does not increase a Business Employee’s commute by more than five straight-line miles shall also be a Reasonable Commuting Distance.

What is the law on travel time to work?


For every 24-hour period, workers are entitled to at least 11 hours of rest

. All employees are also entitled to an uninterrupted 20-minute break when they work for more than six hours. If an employee’s working day is extended to include travel time, you may be required to give them more rest breaks.

Are workers commutes covered by health and safety law?

The most relevant legal obligation that could apply to the daily commute is the

statutory duty not to subject employees to a detriment or to dismiss them for taking action because of a serious and imminent danger they believe they face to their health and safety.

What is classed as a permanent place of work?

A place at which an employee works is a permanent workplace

if he or she attends it regularly for the performance of the duties of the employment

. It is usually clear whether or not a place is an employee’s permanent workplace (and, therefore, whether a journey to that place is ordinary commuting).

How will employers do the duty of care to the employees?

Your employer has a responsibility to

provide and maintain, as far as practicable, a safe working environment

, under section 19(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984. This is called the employer’s ‘duty of care’ and it applies regardless of the terms or type of your employment and includes casual workers.

Can you terminate an employee on WorkCover Victoria?


An employee can resign from their job while they’re on workers compensation

. They: have to give the correct notice period to their employer. can use their workers compensation period as the notice period.

Can you claim Centrelink while on WorkCover?


If they get a periodic compensation payment such as workers compensation, it will reduce a Centrelink payment by a dollar for every dollar of compensation received

. This could also affect their partners’ Centrelink payment.

Does super get paid on WorkCover?


The WorkCover insurer (the insurer) is not obligated to pay you superannuation for the first 52 weeks you remain off work due to a workplace injury or illness

. However, if you remain unable to return to work for more than 52 weeks, the insurer will then be obligated to pay your super contributions from this point.

Can you travel overseas while on WorkCover Victoria?


Yes, taking a trip away while you’re on WorkCover is perfectly acceptable

.

How long can you stay on workers compensation in Australia?

Length of claim –

up to 26 weeks

.

Can you work a second job while on workers comp Australia?


You Are Allowed to Work While on Workers’ Comp

—Technically

You may be able to continue working at your second job, or you may be able to take on a different job while collecting workers’ compensation benefits, if the second job will not aggravate your injuries.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.