Warehouse and Factory Workers Compensation Lawyers in Sydney & NSW

What types of factory workers are covered under workers compensation claims?

Factory workers is a broad term that also includes those working in warehouses, on assembly lines, and loading docks. They often perform manual, repetitive work, carried out by a workforce of full-time, part-time, casual, and contract workers. Due to the nature of this work, injuries do occur, and if injured in New South Wales, these workers are entitled to workers compensation.

Factory Workers:

If you are an Assembler, Machinist, Production Worker, Quality Control Worker, Material Handler or Shipping and Receiving Clerk, machinery and manual handling can lead to injury.

Warehouse Workers:

The physical nature of working in a warehouse means that lifting heavy objects, pushing, pulling, and carrying can lead to repetitive injury for many workers. There can also be unforeseen risks, such as falling objects and slips and falls on uneven surfaces or wet floors. Some of the clients we have worked with previously include warehouse managers, forklift drivers, order pickers, receiving clerks, stockers, order fillers, and material handlers.

Assembly Line Workers:

Whether you are an assembler working on a specific component as part of a production line, a quality control inspector, or a maintenance worker, the risk of injury through repetitive tasks or physical interaction with machinery is a daily interaction and impossible to totally avoid, even in the safest workplaces.

Loading Dock Workers:

When a worker’s daily tasks mean being in or around large equipment, the risk of contact significantly increases the risk of injury. At Garling and Co, we have worked with loaders and unloaders who have experienced lifting and carrying injuries by coming into contact with trucks, forklifts, and other machinery. Forklift operators were injured when moving material between the loading dock and storage area, and receiving and shipping clerks were injured when preparing and moving goods.

What should I do if I get injured in a warehouse or factory?

If you are injured in a warehouse, factory, assembly line, or loading dock, you should immediately seek medical assistance. You are also likely to be entitled to claim workers compensation. You will need to obtain a medical Certificate of Capacity from your general practitioner or the hospital you attend and provide it to your employer as soon as possible.

This certificate is medical evidence of your injury and or illness. Your employer is required to forward the medical certificate to the workers compensation insurer.

We have a team of experienced work injury compensation lawyers who can assist you with your claim.

What common injuries and illnesses can warehouse and factory workers claim for?

We have represented clients who have experienced many injuries when working in factories and warehouses. Most people immediately think of the repetitive nature of this work, which aligns with degenerative repetitive injuries or sprains and strains. However, these injuries can be catastrophic. When workers come into contact with machinery, the physical injuries experienced by workers include cuts, amputations and crush injuries that encompass fractures, breaks and significant organ damage.

Silicosis is an example of a respiratory illness. Workers exposed to silica dust, such as those working with artificial stone, can experience lung scarring due to a buildup of silica. Other examples of respiratory illness can be injuries caused by ongoing exposure to chemicals.

What can I claim for a warehouse or factory workplace injury?

 What is the claim process for warehouse and factory workplace injuries?

1. It is important to report your injury to your employer. This should be done as soon as possible and can be via email or by completing your workplace incident form.
2. If you think you may have a workplace claim, then please complete our free, no obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. We provide you with free advice on your options.
3. If we believe you have a claim for workers compensation, we will assist in ensuring you obtain appropriate compensation for your injuries.
4. We obtain the necessary evidence to win your claim. This is done by one of our experienced injury lawyers.
5. We pursue your claim and fight until you receive the compensation you deserve.
6. You receive your compensation in your bank account.

How long do I have to make a workers compensation claim for warehouse or factory injuries?

Most workers need to submit their workers’ compensation claims during the first six months of their work-related injury or illness. The compensation claims process accepts both physical injuries and psychological injuries. The 6-month period commences from when you understand your injury or illness is from work-related activities.

Possible Extension: Up to 3 Years

There are circumstances that allow you to request compensation outside of the 6 month period. The law permits additional time of up to 3 years to file a claim if there was a valid reason for the delay. The following situations qualify as “reasonable causes” for claim delay:

• Ignorance (not knowing about the claim process)
• A mistake
• Being absent from New South Wales
• In extremely serious cases involving death or permanent disablements that result in serious long-term impairments the claim period can extend past three years. Special approval and evaluation procedures apply to these claims.

Why Garling & Co Lawyers?

At Garling and Co we specialise in representing injuries in warehouse and factory workers. We understand the unique risks and safety requirements for these workplaces and our team has the skills and experience to identify severe injuries which result from equipment malfunctions, unsafe procedures and workplace accidents.

We have delivered successful outcomes to various cases that involve major injuries typical to warehouse and factory operations.

One of our most recent results was for a factory worker who was crushed by a pallet jack. They sustained serious leg injuries when the driver of the pallet jack lost control of the machinery due to water on the floor of the warehouse. Our client received $800 000 in compensation.

We understand how serious injuries permanently impact your job capabilities, family relationships, and personal health. We pursue complete compensation covering both present and future medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and diminished earning potential. Our job is about more than compensation. We deliver the financial relief you need to recover, reset and reclaim your life.