Injury and work cover

The nature of our work can put us at risk of body-stressing injuries. We can be injured from a fall, as a result of occupational violence or from our day to day tasks. 

Any workplace injury can have serious and lasting consequences on the emotional wellbeing of nurses and midwives, and their families. We may feel anxious, afraid, sad or angry. This can impact our professional and personal relationships. We might withdraw or become isolated.

Other symptoms may include loss of self-esteem, lack of confidence in our abilities and a fear of re-injury in returning to work. More serious repercussions may include depression or PTSD. 

We understand that an injury at work can be distressing. We can't advise you about the law or your entitlements, but can talk to you about the emotional impact of your situation. Contact us on 1800 001 060 or request a callback from one of our clinicians. 

Report your injury immediately - get the right advice 

Tell your employer so they can help you navigate immediate concerns. You may need medical support, time off work or alterations to your role while you recover. Ask about your organisations injury management policies.  

Some situations may require workers’ compensation payments, rehabilitation services, and appropriate return-to-work plan.  

Find your workers compensation authority:

• Australian Capital Territory: WorkSafe ACT 
• New South Wales: State Insurance Regulatory Authority (NSW)
• Northern Territory: NT WorkSafe
• Queensland: WorkCover Queensland
• South Australia: ReturnToWork SA
• Tasmania: WorkSafe Tasmania
• Victoria: WorkSafe Victoria
• Western Australia: WorkCover WA 
• National Authority: Comcare

The benefits of getting the right advice include being well-represented, managing any time-sensitive evidence, and being empowered with information.  

If you’re a member of the union, you can contact your state or territory branch for additional support. 

Reduce your risk 

You can reduce your risk of injury at work with regular physical activity and strengthening exercises, getting enough sleep, eating well and drinking enough water and taking your breaks.  

Gentle stretching before, during and after shifts helps to loosen tight muscles and can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Listening to your body’s limits, using manual handling aids at work, and being aware of your facility’s policies and procedures that support you will help prevent some injuries. 

Any occupational-related incident of violence is more complex and most often associated with psychological injury. 

References 

• Functional consequences of work-related spinal musculoskeletal symptoms in a cohort of Australian midwives, by M.H. Long, 2013, Women and Birth
• Reducing midwives' risk of work-related injury, by J. Kirk, 2023, Australian Nursing Midwifery Journal
• Workers’ compensation claims among nurses and ambulance officers in Australia, 2008/09 to 2013/14, by S. Grey, 2016, Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research, Monash University