Small and Medium businesses in Wollongong: Guide to understanding Covid-19 Workers Compensation
In many cases, there will be two weeks unpaid pandemic leave that an employee can take which in many cases will be sufficient. However, as one Australian business discovered, the employer may be liable for a large workers compensation payment.
If the employee has caught the virus in the course of completing their job, and the employee has not taken all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of the virus, the employer may be open to a workers compensation payment. In one recent case, an employee who was travelling to the U.S. for business purposes caught Covid-19 in the airport which was deemed to be in completion of their job. The employee subsequently died from the virus.
The business was held responsible and iCare (NSW workers compensation insurer) paid the employee’s widow $834,200 in compensation (Sara v G & S Sara Pty Ltd [2021]).
HR/IR Solutions can provide businesses in The Illawarra and Wollongong with Safe Work Policies as well as all other forms of employment policies necessary to protect your business.
Call John on 0407 069 507
Visit: HRIRsolutions.com.au
Email: john@HRIRSolutions.com.au
