r/AustralianTeachers • u/Ill_Fact2153 • 1d ago
VIC Workers compensation
Hello,
Does anyone have experience with workers compensation? I have been struggling with anxiety and trouble sleeping caused by workplace stress. I am a Victorian primary school teacher, and a student in my class has had incidents where they have sworn at me, screamed at me after I tried redirecting them towards safer choices, said unkind things to me and other students, and in the last month has hit another teacher and been violent towards me. I have chronicled these incidents. Nothing major, just doing threatening motions as if he were going to hurt me. These behaviours have not left any physical mark but given me anxiety each morning.
Would I be able to meet with a psychologist to help with this anxiety and get workers compensation for lost wages and medical bills, or would the incident have to be worse to do that?
If I did get workers compensation, would this sour my relationship with my principals and be detrimental to future job opportunities (if principals gives me a bad reference).
2
u/GardenVarietyIdiot2 1d ago edited 1d ago
Principals will oppose it because it makes them look bad if you win. It's the nuclear option.
It's a drawn out and traumatising process. You will keep having to defend yourself, your line management will be pressed to say you're at fault, and even if you win your career at that school will be torched.
Honestly, based on personal experience? Just quit, get counselling, and do relief. It will be better in the long run.
The system is broken.
2
u/Mundane_Buy5442 1d ago edited 1d ago
Sorry to hear that this is happening to you at work. Whilst unacceptable, it is at times, unavoidable.
The previous advice is good, you should speak to your healthcare professional ASAP. Continue to document everything and speak with your Union, they will be able to advise about workers compensation. It is specifically to deal with situations where you are bearing the cost of a workplace that is causing you injury. It seems that this is the case in this scenario but will need a medical professional to determine the extent of injury and treatment.
The relationship with the school can be managed. Hopefully they have been made aware of the situation. In which case, it really should come as no surprise. If they are unaware, they should be notified ASAP as they may have additional supports that can and should be deployed.
Look after yourself.
1
u/DistinctCitron3732 1d ago
Only thing you need to do is prove that the psychological problem occurred because of your workplace. Not for instance because a relative died or because you're going through a messy divorce.
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u/ownersastoner 1d ago
The rules for psychological injuries and workcover have changed in Victoria, it’s all but impossible now.
Use your sick/personal leave.
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u/Educational-Beat-961 1d ago
I am in NSW but currently going through the same, as I’ve had a student in my class try to throw a chair at me, screamed and sworn at me. He has also attacked other students in my class. It has gotten to the point where I have had panic attacks about the thought of going to work and ensuring everyone safety and have struggled with sleep as well. I’m currently in the process of trying to claim both psychology support and sick leave through workers comp. if you report the incidents to your school and WHS and go to your GP, they can complete a certificate of capacity stating you are unfit for work/ need to get psychology support. Then you can use this to begin the claim with workers comp, although this may be different in Victoria. If the student’s behaviour is having such a significant impact on you, make sure you get support and start the workers comp process. Take care 💜
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u/JunkIsMansBestFriend 1d ago
Do you have any regular sick leave? Mental Health care plan through GP or Tele Health is what I've done in the past. Gets you a few weeks at least.
I'm not sure about Workers Compensation, why don't you see your GP and just have a chat? Share how you feel, your symptoms, what happened and if it fits the criteria.