Workers compensation changes for correctional officers and firefighters

The Return to Work Regulations have been amended making it easier for correctional officers and firefighters to claim workers compensation for specific injuries.

The definition of first responder has been amended to explicitly include correctional officers in recognition of the assistance they provide in the situations similar to other first responder’s. This change will mean correctional officers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will no longer have to prove their PTSD is work related.

The other amendment sees the list of diseases for firefighters covered under presumptive legislation expanded to 23 diseases, including female specific cancers which recognises the significant contribution female firefighters have in protecting the community.

Further information on the 23 diseases is available in the bulletin - Presumptive legislation for firefighters