Author Archives: Tasworkdoc

About Tasworkdoc

As an occupational physician in private medical practice in Hobart, Tasmania - the southernmost state of Australia, I see workers referred by their general practitioners with various types of work-related injuries and diseases. These are mostly musculoskeletal injuries, both of traumatic and gradual onset as well as various associated psychological disorders. With interaction with patients for treatment and providing advice about rehabilitation, I have the opportunity, first-hand, to observe interactions between individual patients and compensation systems. I also conduct independent medical assessments, including impairment assessments for musculoskeletal injuries and asbestos-related disease compensation. This provides another perspective of workers within compensation systems.

Time to Revisit “RSI”!

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Tasworkdoc

I would like diverge from the usual theme of this blog by considering a specific occupational health issue – that of what is still often described as “RSI”. Unfortunately that label is both inaccurate and invokes an emotive response, so … Continue reading →

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The Pilot Shortage – a looming crisis in compensation systems?

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Tasworkdoc

NO, I DON’T MEAN AIRLINE PILOTS! Read on …….. A patient told me recently that their surgeon had advised that necessary care could not be provided within the workers compensation system. The only option, as far as the surgeon was … Continue reading →

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How does Tasmania COMPARE?

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Tasworkdoc

Yesterday I attended the RTW Forum presented by the Insurance Work  and Health Group (IWHG) headed by Professor Alex Collie at Monash University in Melbourne. Although it might seem like a dry subject, I found it very relevant and interesting and a … Continue reading →

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Great Expectations – The new ‘skills-based’ WorkCover Tasmania Board

Posted on February 15, 2018 by Tasworkdoc

Media Release On Friday 09 February 2018 WorkCover Board Chair, Kathrine Morgan-Wicks confirmed the make-up of the smaller, new skills-based board in accordance with the amended Worker’s Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. See link to Media Release below: Media Release – WorkCover … Continue reading →

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Creating Healthy Boundaries

Posted on July 22, 2017 by Tasworkdoc

I recently had a discussion with Greg McCarthy, until recently, CEO of RTWSA (South Australia’s Workers Compensation Authority). Greg explained to me some of the thinking behind the revamped South Australian workers compensation scheme introduced under his stewardship. While I … Continue reading →

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The State of Play in Tasmania

Posted on July 14, 2017 by Tasworkdoc

This article is based on my introduction to the presentation by Professor Alex Collie at the Pre-Symposium Seminar held in Hobart on 15 June 2017. I have previously tried to explain the reasons for my interest in reform of compensation … Continue reading →

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Waste-Not Want-Not!

Posted on June 24, 2017 by Tasworkdoc

I hesitate to admit it, but I have been wasting my time and energy, the medical expertise that I possess and other people’s money. In my practice I undertake one or two medico-legal assessments as an independent doctor each week … Continue reading →

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Debate about Workers Compensation – Moves to Mid-Winter Hobart!

Posted on April 21, 2017 by Tasworkdoc

At the time of the winter solstice Hobart is an exciting place thanks to David Walsh’s MONA with the DARK MOFO and Winter Feast Events. There are challenging events like the nude swim in the River Derwent and entertainment and art events … Continue reading →

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Choosing Wisely – Request for comments

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Tasworkdoc

I have become aware that the option of making comments on this article is no longer available. Choosing Wisely was published recently and I was expecting some feedback from small business on this matter. You can now comment below.

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Choosing Wisely – Workers Compensation Insurance for Small Business

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Tasworkdoc

Let’s forget momentarily about the effect of compensation systems on health outcomes. Rather, lets consider the position of a small employer taking out workers compensation insurance in Tasmania i.e. a small business perspective. There is a requirement for such insurance, but … Continue reading →

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