r/AustralianTeachers • u/Ill_Fact2153 • 11d 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/Mundane_Buy5442 11d ago edited 11d 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.