Glossary

Early worker contact
Early intervention is one of the key principles of successful rehabilitation. The Regulation specifies that a worker who sustains an injury and who requires rehabilitation must be contacted about rehabilitation and return to work as soon as practicable after the injury is sustained or is reported.

Employees covered
Under legislation, the type of workers covered by workers’ compensation varies. Between 1 July 1997 and 30 June 2000 a “worker” was limited to PAYE taxpayers, before and after this period the definition of a worker included anybody working under a contract of service. Using ABS definitions, employees are always covered by workers’ compensation. “Own account workers” are covered prior to 1 July 1997 and after 30 June 2000 and “employers” and “contributing family members” are not covered.

Employer
An employer employs a worker or workers in Queensland. The Act (section 30) provides a full description of an employer under the Queensland workers’ compensation scheme.

Employer’s obligation for rehabilitation
Under the Act, employers are obliged to participate in rehabilitation. This obligation includes offering suitable duties and graduated return to work programs as appropriate. These rehabilitation programs must be approved by the treating medical practitioner.