FIFO workers in the NT: what you need to know about workers compensation

Are you a FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) worker who regularly works in Darwin or elsewhere in the Northern Territory? Have you recently been injured on the job while in the NT? If you’re back home and unable to return to work due to your injury, this blog is for you. Let’s talk about your workers’ compensation entitlements in the NT.

The NT is a hub of opportunities, especially for FIFO workers. But with all the flying in and out, it’s easy to overlook what happens if you get injured while working here. Understanding your rights to workers’ compensation is crucial, especially if your injury prevents you from returning to work in Darwin or anywhere else in the NT.

What should I do if I’ve been injured at work?

To lodge a workers’ compensation claim in the NT, you must have suffered an injury – whether it’s physical or psychological – that occurred during the course of your employment. This could be from an incident at work or even during your journey to and from work (but not in a motor vehicle accident).

Here’s a simple rundown of the process:

1. See Your GP: After your injury, visit your regular GP and have them fill out a First Medical Certificate. You can download this certificate from the NT Worksafe website.
2. Complete a Workers Compensation Claim Form: You can get this form from your employer or download it from the NT Worksafe website as well.
3. Submit Your Forms: Hand over your completed workers compensation claim form and the First Medical Certificate to your employer. They will forward it to their insurer, who will then decide whether to accept or dispute your claim.

There are two key things to remember:

• Timeliness is key. You must lodge your workers’ compensation claim within six months of your injury. If you miss this deadline, you might face limitations.
• If your Claim is disputed. If you receive a letter from the insurer disputing liability for your claim, reach out to me so we can discuss your options to challenge the dispute.

Once your claim has been accepted, you could be eligible for up to five years of weekly income payments, coverage of medical expenses, and potentially lump sum compensation for permanent impairment. If you’re curious about permanent impairment assessments, check out my article all about these here.

We can help you with your claim

Need help with your claim? Whether you’re just starting the process or need assistance with an ongoing claim, I’m here to help. Feel free to get in touch with me, Lauren, at lhooper@tgb.com.au or (08) 7929 1000.