Case 1

The worker suffered an injury to his shoulder and neck in the course of his employment in March 2008. His claim was accepted and compensation benefits were paid from 14 August 2008 to 29 May 2009.

Despite being certified unable to work at all he accepted a position as a depot manager and was employed in this role for almost the entire duration of his workers' compensation claim.

At no time during this employment did the worker notify WorkCover Queensland of his return to work.

On 2 July 2010 the worker pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud and two charges of providing false and misleading information to WorkCover. He was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, wholly suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $74,187 and costs. A conviction was also recorded.