Backpacking Tourists getting raw end of the stick.
injurycheck_v8agef |
February 22, 2024
Backpacking and Working throughout QLD? Know your rights, protect your future!
I have seen to many clients over the past 23 years sharing stories about how employers told them they were not entitled to WorkCover or compensation for injuries as they were here on tourist visas. This is not correct.
Also recently I have seen many clients that had concerns about how they could renew their work visas when they couldn’t work due to injuries sustained here. Help is available.
As a backpacker or migrant worker in Australia, if you’re injured at work, you may still be eligible to make a workers’ compensation claim. This applies to all migrant workers and helps to provide financial support if you have to take time off work, including to cover medical treatment and lost income.
All workers in Australia – including those on temporary visas with working rights – must be covered by insurance, which is to be taken out by their employer. This allows workers to seek compensation to pay for medical appointments, rehabilitation and lost wages in the instance they are injured because of a work-related incident.
Fruit pickers, like workers in many other industries, face various risks and hazards while on the job. Here's an explanation of how fruit pickers can get injured on a job site in Queensland:
Ladder Falls: Fruit pickers often use ladders to reach high branches or trees. Falls from ladders can occur if the ladder is not properly secured, if the ground is uneven or slippery, or if the picker loses their balance while reaching for fruit. These falls can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, sprains, or head injuries.
Overexertion: Fruit picking can be physically demanding work, requiring repetitive motions such as bending, stooping, and lifting. Overexertion injuries, such as muscle strains or back injuries, can occur if workers do not take regular breaks or if they attempt to lift heavy loads without proper technique.
Sharp Tool Injuries: Fruit pickers often use sharp tools such as pruning shears or knives to harvest fruit. Accidental cuts or puncture wounds can occur if the worker mishandles the tools or fails to use them properly. These injuries can range from minor cuts to more severe lacerations that may require medical attention.
Heat Stress: Queensland’s climate can be hot and humid, especially during the fruit picking season. Working outdoors for extended periods in high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Fruit pickers may become dehydrated or overheated if they do not take adequate breaks, drink enough fluids, or seek shade when necessary.
Chemical Exposure: Some fruit farms use pesticides or other chemicals to protect crops from pests or diseases. Exposure to these chemicals can pose health risks to fruit pickers if proper safety precautions are not taken. Inhalation or skin contact with pesticides can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, or other adverse health effects.
Falling Objects: While picking fruit from trees, workers may be at risk of being struck by falling branches or fruit. This risk is heightened if the trees are not properly maintained or if the fruit is overripe and prone to falling. Head injuries, bruises, or cuts can result from being struck by falling objects.
Uneven Terrain: Fruit orchards may have uneven terrain or obstacles such as rocks, tree roots, or holes in the ground. Workers may trip or stumble on these hazards, leading to falls or other injuries. Sprained ankles, twisted knees, or fractures can occur if workers lose their footing on unstable ground.