Sarah's Story
For Sarah, working in a manufacturing plant was all about precision. Every day, she operated heavy machinery with skill and focus. But one day, while using a press machine, the unthinkable happened—the safety guard malfunctioned, and Sarah’s hand was caught in the machine. The pain was immediate and overwhelming as her colleagues rushed to shut down the machine and call for help.
After being rushed to the emergency room, doctors informed her that the injury was severe. Sarah would need surgery and months of rehabilitation to regain function in her hand, if at all. This injury was life-changing, not only physically but financially, as Sarah faced a long recovery period away from work with no clear return date.
The company’s insurance provider initially claimed that Sarah had failed to follow proper safety procedures, but this didn’t align with what had actually happened. Accidents involving machinery are complex, and employers often look to shift blame. However, in Queensland, employees like Sarah are entitled to make a claim under WorkCover, regardless of how the accident occurred.
Securing Compensation
In Sarah’s case, taking immediate action—gathering evidence of the machine malfunction and obtaining witness statements from her co-workers—ensured that she could secure the compensation she desperately needed. The WorkCover scheme provided financial support for her medical expenses and rehabilitation, while also covering the income she lost during her recovery. This allowed her to focus on healing, knowing that her rights had been protected.