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
| Australian Life Insurers Achieve Significant Underwriting Gains in Q4 2025 23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian life insurance sector has reported a substantial underwriting gain of $279 million for the December quarter of 2025, a significant improvement from the $36 million recorded in the same period the previous year. This data, released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), highlights a notable turnaround in the industry's financial performance. - read more |
| Record Profits for Australian General Insurers in 2024 23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Australia's general insurance industry has reported an unprecedented after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, marking a significant milestone in the sector's financial performance. This figure is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion, according to KPMG's General Insurance Insights report. - read more |
| IAG Achieves 33% Increase in Insurance Profit Amid Lower Claims 23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Insurance Australia Group (IAG), the country's largest insurer, has reported a 33% increase in its full-year insurance profit, reaching A$606 million for the 12 months ending June 2025. This significant growth is attributed to a combination of reduced claims expenses and strategic premium adjustments. - read more |
| Adore Beauty's Nationwide Expansion: Nine New Stores Opened 23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Adore Beauty, a prominent name in Australia's online beauty retail sector, has significantly expanded its physical presence by opening nine new stores across the country. This strategic move marks a substantial shift from its digital-only model, aiming to provide customers with a more immersive shopping experience. - read more |
| Introducing 'Bad Beauty Experience Insurance' for Client Protection 23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori In a groundbreaking move, Botched Babes has unveiled 'Bad Beauty Experience Insurance,' a novel product designed to compensate clients for unsatisfactory beauty services. This initiative addresses a longstanding gap in the market, offering financial recourse to individuals dissatisfied with their beauty treatments. - read more |
| PwC Survey Highlights Gaps in Australian Insurers' Risk Preparedness 23 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori Recent findings from PwC's Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing behind their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, revealed that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. - 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
|
| 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
|
| 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
|
| The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers Welcome to 'The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers.' As stewards of the vast Australian countryside, farmers face an array of unique challenges and risks. Every day, they grapple with the forces of nature, the volatility of the markets, and the complexities of modern agricultural operations. - read more
|
| Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy The threat of bushfires looms large over the vast expanses of rural Australia, shaping the reality of farming in this sunbaked landscape. The risk, always present, escalates as the climate warms and dry conditions persist. It's not a matter of if, but when the land will be tested by fire's wrath. In this environment, the armor of insurance isn't just recommended; it's critical for survival. - 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
|
|
|
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
|