INJURED workers can now get all the information they need about workers’ compensation with just one phone call.
Worker Assist is a new, FREE service that provides information, advice and case management on matters relating to workers’ compensation, rehabilitation and return-to-work, and support for claimants under the proposed Asbestos Related Diseases Compensation Scheme.
It has been established by Unions Tasmania, with support from the Tasmanian Government and WorkCover Tasmania and arises out of the WorkCover Return to Work and Injury Management Model, which aims to ensure a best-practice approach to healing injured workers and getting them back to work.
The model is a genuine attempt to shift the focus from compensation to co-operative injury management and return-to-work. It recognises the important role that work plays in an individual’s social, economic and psychological well-being, and the fact that most people want to get better and get back to work.
Key elements of Worker Assist are it is:
- Free to Use
- Easy to Access
- Factual
- Unbiased
- Helpful
In addition to being a telephone information service, Worker Assist provides case management support and assistance for workers referred by the Workplace Standards Helpline, unions or by direct contact. Typically, workers are expected to contact Worker Assist when:
- experiencing barriers;
- unsure about legal obligations;
- confused by conflicting information or direction;
- frustrated by perceived lack of action;
- unsure what to do; and,
- a claim for compensation, expenses or other entitlements is in
- dispute.
For more information, call 1 300 0 assist or email workerassist@unionstas.com.au
