Farm Insurance NZ
The incident occurred while Vercoe was working from her home office—a sunroom shared with her rabbit. The metal barrier, about 60cm high, was set up to separate the animals. On September 19, 2022, during a workday morning, Vercoe's foot caught on the fence while heading to her kitchen to prepare a coffee, resulting in a fall that sent her to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Initially, her claim was rejected by the Local Government Association Workers' Compensation Scheme, questioning whether her job significantly contributed to the injury. However, the South Australian Employment Tribunal later ruled in Vercoe's favor. According to auxiliary deputy president Jodie Carrel, the situation fell within employment-related activities, referencing the council’s endorsement of short breaks for remote employees.
Presiding over the case, Carrel emphasized that taking coffee breaks is an ordinary and expected activity for employees, remarking, "Taking a coffee break is a likely act of an employee during the course of their working day." She noted that any intent Vercoe might have had to check on the puppy did not alter the compensable nature of the coffee break.
Moreover, Carrel criticized the employer for not fully ensuring the safety of Vercoe's home workspace, aside from a checklist, stating, "effectively abrogated its responsibilities" in safety oversight. While the council was unaware of the puppy fence setup, this did not disqualify the workers' compensation claim, because the legislation does not operate on fault.
Although the case highlighted a fracture in Vercoe's arm, the extent of her knee injury, which had prior ailments, was less clear-cut and remains contested. Her legal representation dismissed accusations of exaggeration, adding that she had returned to full duties fairly swiftly and actively worked to resume her routine.
The tribunal recognized that the knee was indeed injured but was cautious concerning the duration of any temporary impairment, which was noted not to extend past September 29, 2022.
The case underlines the nuanced challenges as more people work from home, blurring the lines between home environments and workplace regulations. Such incidents stress the need for evolving safety protocols in remote work settings to adequately protect employees under similar home-working conditions.
The original coverage of the situation was reported by Insurance News Magazine, spotlighting the legal implications of remote work safety and accident liability.
Published:Thursday, 31st Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
| Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance: A Digital Age Solution 20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In August 2025, Hutch Underwriting unveiled a pioneering landlord insurance product tailored for the Australian market. This policy stands out by integrating cyber protection, addressing the evolving digital risks that modern landlords face. - read more |
| Allianz Identifies Australian Suburbs with Elevated Landlord Insurance Claims 20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In April 2025, Allianz Australia released a report highlighting Australian suburbs with the highest number of landlord insurance claims. The findings provide valuable insights for property investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional risks. - read more |
| QBE's 2025 Survey Highlights Financial Vulnerabilities Among Australian Landlords 20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In June 2025, QBE released a comprehensive survey shedding light on the financial resilience of Australian landlords. The findings are particularly concerning: 38% of landlords indicated they would encounter financial difficulties if their rental properties became uninhabitable or if tenants defaulted on rent for a period exceeding two to six weeks. - read more |
| Hutch Underwriting's New Landlord Insurance Policy Integrates Cyber Protection 20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In August 2025, Hutch Underwriting unveiled a new landlord insurance product tailored for Australian residential property owners. This policy stands out by incorporating built-in cyber protection, addressing the growing digital risks landlords face in today's interconnected world. - read more |
| Cohabit Unveils Innovative Digital Strata Insurance Solution 20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In a significant advancement for the strata insurance sector, insurtech company Cohabit has launched a digital platform designed to streamline the insurance process for strata schemes. This innovative solution enables property owners and strata managers to review and compare insurance options tailored to their specific buildings, fostering informed decision-making and enhanced transparency. - read more |
| Suncorp Strategically Reclassifies Strata Insurance to Drive Growth 20 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has announced a strategic reclassification of its strata insurance business from consumer to commercial, signaling a concerted effort to expand its footprint in the strata insurance market. This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to enhance its commercial insurance offerings and leverage synergies within its portfolio. - read more |
| Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
|
| Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers New Zealand's farming community forms the backbone of its thriving agricultural sector, yet many overlook the critical importance of proactive estate planning. With farmland often being held within families for generations, securing its future is not just a financial concern, but a deeply personal one as well. - read more
|
| Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
|
| Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
|
| What You Need to Know About Crop Insurance for Your Farm Farming is a risky business. As a farmer, you are at the mercy of the weather, pests, and other challenges that can threaten your crops and your livelihood. That’s where crop insurance comes in. Crop insurance can provide financial protection in case your crops are damaged or destroyed, allowing you to recover from losses and move forward with your farm business. - read more
|
| Safeguarding Your Harvest: The Importance of Crop Insurance In the ever-unpredictable world of farming, crop insurance emerges as a pivotal ally for farmers, hedging against the myriad of risks that come with cultivating the land. As the first step to understanding this crucial safeguard, let's unfold the question: What is crop insurance, exactly? In essence, crop insurance is a type of cover designed to cushion farmers from financial losses due to unavoidable circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, pests, disease, or even market fluctuations. - read more
|
|
|
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
|
|
|
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
|
|
|
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
|