Q: A worker was off work for one day due to a minor injury, and did not request that a WorkCover form be completed at this time. I was going to debit their sick/personal leave for the time taken and the worker questioned why they would be debited their accrued time for a work-related injury.

I informed them that if the injury went on to have a claim registered and accepted, the company would credit back the time. Now I am unsure if the time is to be taken from their accrual as it was a work-related injury.

A: You are correct to have debited their personal leave for the absence and to have advised them that the company would credit back this leave if and when a workers’ compensation claim is made.

Please note: The answer is correct at the time of publishing. Be aware that laws may change over time. Refer to Industrial instruments for current advice.