A 51-year-old man accidentally amputated his own leg while cutting down a tree in Wilberforce, in NSW’s Hawkesbury on Friday morning.
The man, who was working as an arborist at the time, had a length of rope wrapped around his leg, which got caught in a woodchipper, cutting off his limb.
Careflight’s rapid response helicopter was called to the scene just before 11.30am, and crew were led to the man by NSW Police, who had managed to stem the man’s bleeding.
He was put into an ambulance, where he received a blood and plasma transfusion, and taken to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition.
In a moment of ingenuity, paramedics were able to preserve the man’s leg by stopping at a petrol station to purchase ice on the way to hospital.
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https://www.news.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Under the workers compensation act 1987, all employers are legally obliged to have compulsory workers’ compensation insurance for all workers they employ. This coverage applies to different types of employees, including full or part-time workers, self-employed workers, permanent or casual workers, and those deemed to be employees. Therefore, if you fall into one of these categories and you are injured at a workplace in NSW, you are generally covered by workers’ compensation.
In general, injuries that occur during your commute to and from work are not typically covered by workers’ compensation. However, there may be exceptions, such as if illness occurred while you were running a work-related errand during your commute. It’s advisable to consult with a work injury lawyer for guidance on your specific situation.
It’s crucial to take action promptly if you’ve been injured at work as there are strict time limits on work injury damages claims. You should document and report your injury to your employer or management as soon as possible. You may need to fill out a workers’ compensation claim form if you’re an injured employee. The sooner you initiate the process, the better, as there may be time limits for making a claim.
Timely reporting is essential to ensure your work injury damages claim is processed smoothly. There may be specific timeframes within which you are required to report the injury, so it’s best to report it promptly to avoid any potential issues with your claim.
The amount of compensation you receive from a workers compensation authority for a workplace injury in NSW can vary widely based on factors such as the severity of the injury, the extent of disability, and other individual circumstances.
The compensation may include weekly payments, lump sums for permanent impairment, medical expenses, and more. Consulting with a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you determine the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
Workplace injuries and illnesses are unfortunately still a common occurrence in Australia, but the overall numbers and rates have been decreasing in recent years. Here’s a summary of some key statistics:
Overall:
- In 2021-22, around 3.5% of the working population experienced a work-related injury or illness.
- The overall work-related injury rate was 35.3 injuries per 1000 people who worked in the past 12 months.
Specific injuries and causes:
- The highest cause of injury in workplace was “Lifting, pushing, pulling or bending” (24%).
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common type of injury, accounting for around 55% of all work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Mental health conditions are becoming increasingly concerning, making up 9.3% of serious claims in 2020-21. Anxiety and stress disorders are the most prevalent among these.
Other important points:
- 66% of people who experienced a work-related injury or illness took time off work as a result.
- 31% received workplace injury payouts for the injury or illness.
Resources for further information:
Safe Work Australia: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/key-work-health-and-safety-statistics-australia-2022
Australian Bureau of Statistics: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/earnings-and-working-conditions/work-related-injuries/latest-release
Workers’ compensation entitlements in NSW covers a range of injuries and illnesses sustained on the job, during work activities, or as a result of work. The coverage may include medical and hospital costs, compensation for total and permanent disability or impairment, loss of income, costs of rehabilitation providers, travel costs, damages, and benefits paid to the family if the worker has died as a result of a workplace injury. The specific benefits of workers compensation agreements you may be eligible for depend on the circumstances of your accident or illness.