4.5.2.3 WorkSafe will not pay for
Maintenance, repairs or replacement of worn or damaged equipment
WorkSafe can pay the reasonable costs of maintenance and repairs to equipment arising from normal wear and tear over a reasonable period of time. The Agent can consider requests to pay the reasonable cost of replacement equipment that has exceeded its expected lifespan. There are specific equipment items that WorkSafe generally does not pay for maintenance, repair or replacement of. Refer to the Specific equipment items section of the Equipment and Related Services guidelines for further details.
It is expected that equipment either partially or entirely paid for by WorkSafe is used in a responsible manner consistent with its intended use. Equipment should be maintained appropriately, stored responsibly and in no way wilfully damaged.
Normal and essential household items
WorkSafe is not liable for the provision of normal and essential household items (e.g. washing machine, dryer, dishwasher), as this is the worker’s responsibility. The worker is required to provide safe and appropriate household items for their everyday use.
In line with the Household Help Services Guidelines and Equipment & Related Services Guidelines, WorkSafe may consider funding adaptive household equipment to assist a worker’s independence with household activities, where the prescribed equipment is expected to replace or reduce the need for WorkSafe funded household help services and the Adaptive Household Equipment guideline conditions are met.
See: Adaptive Household Equipment
Personal computers for income-earning ventures or additional hardware
Computers are not provided to a worker for an income-earning venture (self-employment), as any such venture would not be considered to be a WorkCover liability.
Items such as tablets, ipads, laptops, colour monitors, colour printers, modems, line rental, connection to the Internet, scanners, CD-ROMs are not to be approved.
Home exercise equipment
Home exercise equipment is equipment commonly found in gymnasiums which can be purchased or hired for use in the home. Examples of home exercise equipment are stationary exercise bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and weights.
WorkSafe considers it is more beneficial for exercise programs which require equipment to be performed in gymnasiums where the exercises are undertaken:
- in a supervised and safe environment
- using properly maintained equipment.