By: Jason McAulay
In Queensland, we still have a very large and diverse manufacturing industry where employees perform demanding physical work. These factory workers should know what support is available when it comes to injuries in the workplace.
Causes of factory or manufacturing work accidents
Factories and manufacturing centres are relatively hazardous work environments, given the physical nature of the work and use of heavy machinery, chemicals and other manufacturing aids.
Common causes of factory accidents include:
- Slips and falls, especially when oil and other liquids aren’t cleaned
- Overexertion due to high physical demands
- Machine malfunctions or accidents
- Chemical exposure
- Falling objects
- Accidents involving vehicles like forklifts
Most common manufacturing or factory injuries
Factory or manufacturing work is often repetitive in nature, causing an injury over a period of time or in other cases a specific injury.
These factory injuries can include:
- Dislocations or muscle strains
- Broken or crushed bones
- Musculoskeletal disorders due to overexertion
- Burns or chemical irritation
- Concussion or a serious brain injury
Right to Workers’ Compensation in Queensland
If you are injured at work, you are entitled to lodge a Workers’ Compensation claim with WorkCover Queensland or the self-insurer. Some workers may even be covered by the Commonwealth Comcare system and workers should lodge the appropriate Workers’ Compensation claim with their insurer after a factory accident.
Sciaccas Lawyers has represented union and non-union manufacturing workers for over 45 years. We have the experience to provide advice to you about the “dos” and “don’ts” and more importantly the traps in lodging claims in Queensland. We have found that clients are reluctant to lodge Workers’ Compensation claims as they simply feel it is wear and tear on their body, rather than an injury caused by their work. This is not necessarily the case. Manufacturing and factory workers do heavy, physical and demanding work which can cause injuries not discovered until many years after they start work.
What to do when you’re injured at work
What starts as a small minor niggling injury may turn into an injury that stops you from working. At Sciaccas, we have the experience and know-how to help you to get to know your rights and bring a claim.
We strongly recommend that if you are in one of these industries and have either had an injury that is causing problems for you or a more serious injury that is preventing you from returning to work that you contact our office and speak to one of our senior solicitors that have acted in this area over a long period of time.
We are prepared to provide you with advice on a “No Win No Fee” basis and accordingly, you should contact us immediately to discuss your rights. In Queensland, a Workers’ Compensation claim and any potential negligence claim against your employer must be brought within strict time limits. If you miss those time limits you may have no further entitlement.
To discuss your rights, please contact Sciaccas Lawyers on 1800 658 525 or contact us online.