Beware of Employer`s who offer `Stress Leave`, or a `Free Counselling Service`.

WorkCover Services

A number of State Government Department’s and Authorities are now offering employees suffering work related stress injuries, stress leave and/or free counseling.

These offers should not be considered nor accepted. It is CPSU's opinion that any offer for free counseling and/or stress leave from the employer is made to enable the employer to avoid their obligations to the injured worker under the Accident Compensation Act 1985.

CPSU members should note: -

• There is no such leave as “stress leave. What the employer is offering is your existing “sick leave” entitlement.
• Any information confidentially given to the counseling service may be given to the employer. Counseling Service reports have been supplied to insurance companies who have utilised the report to reject the injured workers claim for workers’ compensation.
• It is CPSU's belief that any offer for free counseling and/or stress leave from the employer is made to enable the employer to avoid their obligations to the injured worker under the Accident Compensation Act 1985. Any worker injured at work, including stress related workplace injuries, is entitled to claim Workers’ compensation from that employer.

CPSU members who suffer a stress related workplace injury should: -

1. Immediately notify their employer of the injury. Notification should be made by completing the “Employer Register of Injury” book. If the employer does not have a register of injury book, the injured worker should contact CPSU's WorkCover Services Officer Geoff Lewin .
2. Attend their medical practitioner seeking a referral to an independent counseling service.
3. Contact CPSU WorkCover Services for advice and assistance on how to make a claim for Workers’ compensation.