I am a full time RN and have been on workers compensation for 4 months doing suitable duties 2 days per week. The insurer recently denied liability and I am challenging this through my solicitor. My manager has told me they will now be treating my injury as non-work related. What does this mean, and can they do this?

When an employer indicates that they intend to treat your injury as non-work related, it usually means they will begin following different internal policies and processes. This can lead to problems and cause your employer to breach workers compensation legislation, usually with regard to the provision of suitable work. In your circumstances, the fact you are challenging the insurer’s decision to deny liability means that your employer must continue to treat your injury as if it is work related and continue to provide you with suitable duties. Contact the Association immediately if your employer attempts to take you off suitable duties.