4.5.2 Aids and appliances

4.5.2.1 General guidelines | 4.5.2.2 WorkSafe can pay for | 4.5.2.3 WorkSafe will not pay for

WorkSafe can pay for the reasonable costs of aids, appliances and apparatus other than a medical, hospital or nursing service.

These services must be requested by a registered medical practitioner, physiotherapist Registered physiotherapist means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in the physiotherapy profession (other than as a student)., chiropractor or osteopath for a work-related An injury/disease is work related if it arose out of or in the course of employment and the scope of employment. injury and requires prior approval by the Agent.

Items should not be purchased without prior approval by the Agent.

See: Cost of services

WorkSafe can pay for the reasonable costs of a medical and like expense where a worker is entitled to provisional payments on a claimed mental injury.

See: 6.5 Provisional payments for a mental injury

Equipment and related services

WorkSafe can pay the reasonable costs of equipment and related services for a worker:

  • to assist in rehabilitation of a work-related injury or illness
  • if a work-related injury or illness causes impaired function of activities of daily living.

See: Equipment & related services

4.5.2.1 General guidelines

Before aids and appliances can be approved, the following is required:

  • there is a request, with supporting evidence from a registered medical practitioner, for the aid or appliance
  • the request is reasonable and necessary
  • where required, an independent assessment has been conducted by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist
  • the current age and condition of existing items has been established
  • it is determined if the item is on the contracted equipment list or if the item is valued under $1,000 (excluding GST Goods and Services Tax) it is available from a Contracted Equipment Supplier
  • the worker has been advised that ongoing maintenance, replacement and repair costs (except for wheelchairs) is their responsibility
  • the cost of the service is reasonable, as indicated by at least two quotations.

Written prior approval from the Agent is required for aids and appliances.

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Supporting information

The following information is required to assess a request from a medical practitioner, physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath:

  • clinical justification in writing that the worker requires the aid and appliance for the rehabilitation of their work-related injury or illness
  • for expensive items, an independent assessment has been conducted by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist
  • if the worker currently has the aid or appliance and is seeking a replacement, details of the age and condition of existing items needs to be provided
  • the aid and appliance is for the injured worker only
  • whether it will assist with self-management of injury and/or perform activities of daily living
  • confirmation the item is on the contracted equipment list or if the item is valued under $1,000 (excluding GST) is available from a Contracted Equipment Supplier

Prior to the purchase or delivery of an aid and/or appliance:

  • the worker must be advised that ongoing maintenance, replacement and repair costs (except for wheelchairs) is their responsibility
  • the Agent must formally approve the request
  • the items should be sourced from a contracted provider (where possible).

See: WorkSafe equipment list and contracted suppliers

Guarantees and warranties

Before approving any aid, appliance or service for a worker, the provider should state in writing on the quotation:

  • if there is a guarantee or warranty for that aid, appliance or service
  • the duration of the guarantee or warranty
  • what parts of the aid, appliance or service are covered by the guarantee or warranty.

The Agent can then make a decision whether to accept one quotation over another, not just on the item and costs but also on the terms of the guarantee or warranty.

For aids, appliances or services previously approved by the Agent, it is recommended the Agent refer to the original quotation or purchase agreement to consider whether there is a guarantee or warranty that can be exercised in the repair or replacement of the aid, appliance or service.

Worker responsibility

The worker has a responsibility to provide reasonable quality and safe household equipment and items.

It is the worker's responsibility to replace household items that are old and worn out or unsafe. Linen, bedding and clothing items are also the worker’s responsibility.

Contribution by the worker

Workers are encouraged to contribute a reasonable amount towards items if:

  • the selected equipment is more expensive than the suitable standard model
  • they would be required regardless of the work-related injury.
Items valued at more than $1,000

An Agent should issue a letter to a worker (or their appointed trustee/guardian) that is provided with items valued in excess of $1,000 (excluding GST), outlining liability and responsibility for the equipment in the following areas:

  • general security, upkeep and insurance
  • unauthorised modification or alteration.

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