Workers Compensation Workplace Injuries “WorkCover is currently investigating an incident at Muswellbrook on Saturday 20 February when a crane operator was injured when the sling lifting a truck body broke, and chain shattered the operator’s cabin causing throat injuries. The crane operator was airlifted to hospital” 2nd February, 2010 Work place injuries happen everyday and in every workplace. In New South Wales WorkCover is the statutory body responsible for preventing injuries in the workplace, investigating injuries in the workplace and administering workers compensation payments. According to statistics released by Workcover the industries with the highest incidence of workplace injury are: - • Agriculture, forestry and fishing with 22.9 injuries per 1,000 employees. • Mining with 19.3 injuries per 1,000 employees. • Manufacturing with 17.7 injuries per 1,000 employees. • Construction with 16.9 injuries per 1,000 employees. The most common injury occurring across workplaces in New South Wales are manual handling injuries which account for 30% of all workplace injuries. The majority of manual handling injuries involved crates, cartons, boxes and other persons. The second most common injuries involve falls which account for 17% of all workplace injuries while falls from a height account for 9% of all workplace injuries. Approximately 59% of workplace injuries resulted in workers suffering from sprains and strains with other common industries including open wounds, fractures, contusions and crushing. According to Workcover workplace injuries occur in every workplace and amongst every occupation as demonstrated in the recent initiative to improve workplace safety in the restaurant and catering industry. Workcover statistics show that in 2007-2008 there were 2,426 workplace injuries in cafes and restaurants in New South Wales consisting of sprains, strains, open wounds, hand injuries and lower back injuries. Workers in New South Wales who suffer a workplace injury are entitled to access the workers compensation scheme that is administered by WorkCover. This means that injured workers can be reimbursed for any medical or rehabilitation expenses, any loss of income, weekly payments until the injured worker can return to work and the potential to receive a lump sum payment where the injury has resulted in a permanent impairment. In those tragic cases where a workplace injury has resulted in a fatality relatives and dependents of the deceased may be entitled to receive compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured at work in New South Wales you need expert advice on your entitlements to workers compensation. Frank Boitano is an Accredited Specialist, which means he is an expert in his field. Call the Compensation Law Expert today and know that you have made the first step to piece of mind! You can ring Frank at one of our offices and make an appointment, or email him on fjb@bblawyers.com . | 
