Behind the Claims Podcast

About Behind the Claims Podcast

Behind the Claims Podcast brings you real stories and straight answers on workplace injuries, breaking down the workers compensation system. For everyone who's been injured at work, employers, healthcare workers, and support people who want to help. Listen in, learn more, stay ahead! Website: www.ausrehab.com Email: marketing@ausrehab.com Instagram: @ausrehab

Publisher

AusRehab

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Sept 2025

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   EP 17 Workers Comp Recovery in Australia | A Psychologist’s Honest Take

   Why do so many injured workers in Australia get stuck after a workplace injury? Psychologist Matt Semsar explains what workers comp can’t fix. From psychological injury recovery and disrupted sleep to rebuilding daily routines and returning to work, this episode looks at the challenges injured workers face beyond the workers compensation claim itself. “People think recovery is going from zero to 100 overnight. No, you have lost some capacity and you’re trying to rebuild it.” Matt is a Registered Psychologist at AusRehab and founder of Revamp Psychology, back on Behind the Claim after his first episode. This time, the focus is the psychological side of workplace injury recovery: what happens to the person, not the claim. He shares practical advice on managing sleep problems after an injury, rebuilding confidence, setting realistic recovery expectations and taking an active role in your treatment and rehabilitation. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why sleep falls apart after a workplace injury and the simplest fix How to rebuild a daily routine when you can’t work Why seeing life through the lens of injury can stall recovery Why you should choose your own treating team and take the wheel of your own recovery Why return to work after a psychological injury needs to be gradual How to set realistic expectations during workers compensation recovery Why rest and recovery need to be balanced with rebuilding daily activities How trauma can affect recovery after a workplace injury Chapters: 00:00 Episode Preview: Workers Comp Recovery 00:57 What Happens After a Workplace Injury? 02:38 Why Work Is More Than Just a Pay Cheque 04:24 Why Sleep Problems Are Common After Injury 11:46 How to Reset Your Sleep Routine After Injury 14:08 How to Rebuild Your Daily Routine When You Can’t Work 19:44 Why Workplace Injury Recovery Can Take Time 22:05 How Your Mindset Can Affect Injury Recovery 34:03 Psychological Injury vs Physical Injury Recovery 38:58 Understanding Workers Comp Recovery Expectations 44:10 What to Do After a Workplace Injury 45:03 Choosing Your Treating Doctor After an Injury 46:27 Who Should Be Driving Your Recovery? 55:41 When Does Rest Start Holding Back Recovery? 1:00:03 How Trauma Affects Recovery After Injury 1:03:49 Why Return to Work After Psychological Injury Should Be Gradual ▶️ Watch Matt’s first episode (Episode 3): https://youtu.be/UINndoiWDlI (https://youtu.be/UINndoiWDlI) 🧠 Connect with Matt Semsar: https://www.revamppsychology.com.au/ (https://www.revamppsychology.com.au/) 🔗 Listen & Connect Catch every episode early! Subscribe free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims (https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims) Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/48Etptt (https://apple.co/48Etptt) 📲 Need Help with Workplace Rehabilitation or Injury Recovery? 📞 1300 391 947 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/) Workplace Rehabilitation Services: https://www.ausrehab.com/our-services/workplace-rehabilitation/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/our-services/workplace-rehabilitation/) 📣 Follow AusRehab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/) Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y)

2. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Inside a Workers Comp Medical Exam | Occupational Physician Explains IMEs

   "I need to look after workers. We need safe workplaces and we need health and safety." Dr Farhan Shahzad is an Occupational and Environmental Physician in Australia with a unique perspective on workplace injury, workers compensation and independent medical examinations. If you've been asked to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) as part of a workers compensation claim, you may be wondering what actually happens and what the doctor is assessing. In this episode, Dr Farhan explains the IME process from an occupational physician's perspective, including medical opinions, work capacity and return to work. In this episode, he explains what an occupational physician actually does, how IMEs work, and why some claims become more complex when workplace conflict, financial pressure or feeling unheard get mixed into recovery. He also explains who can request an IME report, how he maintains independence when giving a medical opinion, and what doctors need to consider when assessing a workplace injury and someone's capacity for work. He also shares how his own workplace injury after moving to Australia influenced his career, what he has learned from years of complex claims, and why prevention should start long before an injury becomes a workers compensation case. Whether you're an injured worker, supporting someone through an injury, an employer, or working in claims or rehabilitation, this episode gives you a practical look at the medical side of workplace injury and the role an independent medical examination can play in a workers compensation claim. In this episode, you'll hear: - How Dr Farhan's own workplace injury influenced his career - What an Occupational and Environmental Physician actually does - What happens during an Independent Medical Examination (IME) - Who may request an IME report and why - How Dr Farhan stays independent when giving medical opinions - What doctors consider when assessing work capacity and return to work - What "revenge back pain" means and how workplace issues can affect recovery - Why some claims become more complex than the injury itself - How psychosocial and workplace factors can influence recovery - How better workplace systems and early support can help prevent long-term claims 🔗 Listen & connect Catch every episode early! Subscribe free on Spotify: https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims Apple: https://apple.co/48Etptt (https://apple.co/48Etptt) 👨⚕️ Connect with Dr Farhan Shahzad https://drfarhanshahzad.com/ https://evaluatemedicolegal.com.au/ 📲 Need help with workplace rehabilitation or injury recovery? 📞 1300 391 947 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/) 📣 Follow AusRehab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y) #IndependentMedicalExamination #WorkersCompensation #OccupationalPhysician #WorkplaceInjury #ReturnToWork #WorkplaceRehabilitation #BehindTheClaim #AusRehab

3. 

   7 Sept 2026

   EP 15 AI Resumes & The Truth About Recruitment Agencies | Insight from a Recruitment Expert

   "You've got one phone call to prove you're the right fit." Recruitment specialist Paulo Ubaldo, Business Development Manager and Recruitment Specialist at AusRehab, returns for part two of his conversation on Behind the Claim, this time going deep on what actually gets someone hired, especially when they're managing an injury, illness, or disability on top of a tough job market. From AI resumes and resume screening to interview preparation and recruitment agencies, Paulo shares what job seekers can do to improve their chances of getting noticed and getting through the first stage of recruitment. Paulo runs a live mock screening call in real time, walks through how generational differences show up in interviews (Gen Z, millennials, and people coming back to the job market after 10 to 20 years in the same role), and gives a straight answer on whether recruitment agencies are still worth using when you have a physical restriction. He also breaks down how resume screening systems work, why the right keywords matter, and how AI can be used when preparing a resume without losing the experience and personality that make the application yours. Whether you're job seeking after an injury, returning to work after time away, coaching someone who is, or just want a sharper interview and resume strategy, this episode is full of practical, specific advice you can use straight away. Why you only get one phone call to prove you're the right fit, and how to use it A live mock screening call, coached and corrected in real time The record yourself tip that shows you what you actually sound like in an interview How Gen Z, millennial and boomer candidates come across differently in interviews How to confidently talk about 10 to 20 years in one role when you're interviewing again Whether recruitment agencies are still worth using if you have a physical restriction or injury How resume screening systems use keywords when reviewing applications Using AI to help prepare your resume while keeping it personal and accurate Simple resume formatting rules that help employers quickly find the information they need 🔁 Catch Part 1: https://youtu.be/1jBZ8IwARKc (https://youtu.be/1jBZ8IwARKc) 🔗 Listen & connect Catch every episode early! Subscribe free on Spotify: https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims (https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims) Apple: https://apple.co/48Etptt (https://apple.co/48Etptt) 📲 Need help with workplace rehabilitation or injury recovery? 📞 1300 391 947 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/) 📣 Follow AusRehab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/) Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y) #AIResume #JobInterviewTips #Recruitment #ResumeTips #JobSearch #ReturnToWork #BehindTheClaim #AusRehab

4. 

   17 Aug 2026

   EP 14 Suicide Prevention in Construction | Brad Parker on Asking the Question That Could Save a Life

   Suicide prevention in construction is one of the most important conversations happening in Australia's building industry. In this episode, Brad Parker, CEO of MATES in Construction NSW, explains why construction workers face a higher risk of suicide, how to recognise when someone may be struggling, and why asking one simple question could save a life. This episode discusses suicide. If you need support, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. "It only takes ten seconds of courage to ask the question that could save a life." Brad Parker, CEO of MATES in Construction NSW, joins Behind the Claim for a confronting and ultimately hopeful conversation about why construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry in Australia, and what anyone, tradie or not, can actually do about it. Brad walks through the exact framework MATES teaches on site: noticing loss, change and a gut feeling that something's wrong, then asking the direct question when it matters. He shares the statistic that changed how he sees every conversation (roughly one in four people asked will say yes), the industry factors behind construction's suicide rate, and a deeply personal story about his own trauma after a car accident, and the colleague who noticed the signs before Brad did. The conversation also explores workplace mental health, the importance of early intervention, why mateship matters, and how simple conversations can make a genuine difference. He closes, as he does at every site visit, with the story of Don Ritchie, the Angel of the Gap, and why suicide prevention deserves far more attention than it receives. Whether you work in construction, manage people who do, support workers recovering from injury, or simply want to know how to respond when you're worried about someone, this is one of the most practical and human conversations we've published. In this episode you'll hear The exact words Brad uses to ask someone directly if they're thinking about suicide The three-part framework for recognising when something isn't right Why roughly one in four people asked the direct question will say yes Why construction has one of Australia's highest suicide rates Brad's personal experience with trauma and PTSD The story of Don Ritchie and how one person helped save hundreds of lives Why Australia's suicide rate remains significantly higher than the road toll Timestamp: 00:00 – Introduction 01:34 – Meet Brad Parker and MATES in Construction 05:37 – Why Construction Has One of Australia's Highest Suicide Rates 06:46 – The Study That Changed Suicide Prevention 13:24 – How MATES Supports Construction Workers 22:23 – The Question That Could Save a Life 24:16 – Why Asking Directly Matters 25:44 – The Early Signs Workmates Often Miss 28:51 – Why Construction Workers Face Greater Mental Health Risks 37:14 – The Biggest Triggers Behind Suicide 41:41 – Why Men Often Don't Ask for Help 53:20 – How MATES Became a Global Leader 1:02:45 – Don Ritchie: The Angel of the Gap 1:30:32 – Brad's Personal Story of PTSD and Recovery Learn more about workplace rehabilitation and supporting recovery after injury: https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/) 🔗 Listen & connect Spotify: https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims (https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims) Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/48Etptt (https://apple.co/48Etptt) 📲 Need assistance? 1300 391 947 📣 Follow AusRehab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/) Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y) #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #ConstructionIndustry #MatesInConstruction #WorkplaceMentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #BehindTheClaim #AusRehab

5. 

   30 Jul 2026

   EP 13 Why Psychological Workers Compensation Claims Get Stuck | Psychologist Explains Recovery

   Psychological workers compensation claims can be some of the hardest to recover from. In this episode, psychologist Sharon Draper explains why people often get stuck during recovery and what genuinely helps them move forward after a workplace psychological injury. "We need structure. We need a routine. We need purpose. We need meaning. We need movement. We need social connections." That's how Sharon Draper sums up what it really takes to recover from a mental health injury, and it's exactly what tends to fall apart the moment someone lodges a psychological workers comp claim. In this episode, Stephen sits down with psychologist Sharon Draper, who has more than 17 years of clinical experience, including around 15 years supporting people recovering from workplace psychological injuries and workers compensation claims. She makes one point clear early on: workers comp was built around physical injury, so when a claim is about someone's mental health, the system can struggle to keep up. Sharon explains that psychological injuries are rarely caused by one bad day. They usually build up over time until someone reaches a breaking point. What happens next can make recovery even harder. The workplace goes quiet, colleagues aren't sure whether to reach out, and the injured worker can end up feeling isolated, sitting at home replaying everything over and over. Sharon has seen people stop leaving the house and even join online appointments in their pyjamas. She explains how the body shifts into survival mode when it feels under threat, why this is a normal response to workplace psychological trauma, and why it isn't something people simply choose to do. If you've been injured at work and your mental health isn't in a good place, you're not alone. This episode explores psychological workers compensation, workplace mental health, return to work and recovery after a workplace psychological injury, while sharing practical insights for injured workers, employers, case managers and healthcare professionals. Why the injury itself is rarely what keeps someone stuck The quiet thing workplaces do that makes recovery harder Why two people with the same injury recover differently What a 15-minute assessment can decide about a claim The one change an employer can make that genuinely helps recovery Whether treatment providers are paid to keep claims going Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction "Meet Psychologist Sharon Draper" 03:35 – Workers Compensation vs Private Clients 06:30 – How Workplace Bullying Leads to Psychological Injury 08:00 – Why Isolation Makes Recovery Harder 11:30 – Why Psychological Injuries Build Up Over Time 15:15 – Why People Push Through Until They Burn Out 20:45 – What Happens When the Brain Goes Into Survival Mode 29:45 – Can a 15-Minute Assessment Affect Your Claim? 33:40 – The One Thing Employers Should Never Stop Doing 41:30 – Why Recovery and Compensation Can Work Against Each Other 47:40 – Why Routine Is Essential for Recovery 59:20 – Sharon's Ideas to Improve Psychological Injury Recovery 1:11:55 – Are Providers Paid to Keep Claims Going? 1:17:40 – How Workplace Surveillance Affects Recovery 1:19:05 – Why Case Managers Have One of the Toughest Jobs What do you think matters most when building a workplace people want to join? Share your thoughts in the comments. Learn more about Workplace Rehabilitation and injury recovery: ⁠https://www.ausrehab.com/our-services/workplace-rehabilitation/⁠ (https://www.ausrehab.com/our-services/workplace-rehabilitation/) 📲 Need assistance? Call: 1300 391 947 📣 Follow AusRehab for more information on injury recovery and rehabilitation support: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/) Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y)

6. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Ep 12 Why Successful Business Owners Never Really Retire | Purpose, Growth & Business Success

   "They're not in it to make money. They're in it because they have a vision…and the money follows it.” Most people think successful business owners keep going because they want more money. They don't. They keep going because stopping would break them. In this episode of Behind the Claim, Adam Hall sits down for an honest conversation about what actually drives people who could retire tomorrow but choose not to. He talks about purpose, identity, leadership, business growth, and what happens to a person when the thing they've built suddenly isn't theirs anymore. But it doesn't stop at mindset. Adam gets into the nitty gritty of running a successful trades business at a large scale. Things like margin leaks, business profitability, and job cost tracking, which is money quietly walking out the back door because your project costs aren't being tracked properly. He walks through a real example where a $6 million business was losing $540,000 a year due to a gap between their accounting software and their project management software. Adam also gets into why business leadership, business systems, financial reporting, and business knowledge transfer across any industry. It's not about knowing the trade. It's about knowing how business works. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, trades business owner, or business leader, this episode provides practical insights into business growth, profitability, leadership, and scaling a business successfully. If you're a business owner who's hit a ceiling and can't figure out why, or you're doing well but feel like something's not quite right, this one is worth your time. What this episode covers • Why successful business owners don't retire even when they can • Purpose and identity: what keeps driven people in the game • What a margin leak is and why most businesses have one they don't know about • How a $6 million business was losing $540,000 a year from a simple tracking mistake • Why not tracking job costs against budgets is one of the most common ways businesses lose money • The software Adam's business uses to track project costs down to the dollar • Why business skills transfer across any industry • Why having the right business mindset means you can walk into any industry and still succeed • How mentoring works and what Adam looks for in a coaching client In this episode: Why successful business owners rarely retire completely The role purpose and identity play in long-term success What margin leaks are and how they impact profitability How one business lost $540,000 without realising it Why job cost tracking matters more than most owners think The systems Adam uses to monitor project profitability Why leadership and business knowledge transfer across industries What Adam looks for when mentoring business owners The difference between business operators and business leaders ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Rich people aren't actually motivated by money 0:25 – Adam could retire tomorrow. So why doesn't he? 0:48 – What happens after you've "made it"? 1:11 – How Adam mentors trades business owners 1:33 – The $540,000 margin leak story 2:46 – What Adam looks at first in a business 3:56 – The biggest reason construction businesses lose money 4:19 – Why manual job costing fails 4:40 – Software systems and project profitability 5:26 – Why helping other business owners creates purpose 6:13 – Expanding into new states successfully 6:33 – Leadership skills that transfer across industries 6:55 – Two types of successful business owners 🔗 Connect with Adam Hall https://www.instagram.com/the_adamhall/ (https://www.instagram.com/the_adamhall/) 📲 Need help with workplace rehabilitation or injury recovery? 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/) 📣 Follow AusRehab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/) Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y)

7. 

   2 Jun 2026

   Ep 11 Workers Comp IME Letter Explained | What Injured Workers Must Know (NSW)

   Say you receive a letter on your kitchen table saying your employer or insurer has arranged a specialist appointment to assess your ability to work. There’s a doctor’s name, a date, and a time. Most people just show up. They assume it’s legitimate. They assume everything was done by the book. And most of the time, nobody tells them otherwise. But here’s the thing. In many cases, that letter does not meet the legal requirements under workers compensation guidelines. And the insurer is counting on you not knowing that. A real government audit of QBE looked at 50 workers compensation claims over just five working days and found zero compliance on one key obligation insurers must follow before sending this type of letter. Dr. Danny Tang joins us again to explain what an Independent Medical Examination (IME) letter must legally include, what insurers are actually doing, and what it means for your claim when the process is not followed correctly. He also explains how IMC referrals fit into the process and why knowing your rights matters. If you’ve received one of these letters, or know someone who has, watch this before taking the next step. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 1:02 – Dr. Tang is back 1:35 – What an IME letter is and legal requirements 2:36 – Workers compensation guidelines explained 4:40 – Why IME letters often look identical 5:49 – Compliance issues and what it means for injured workers 6:54 – Requirement to contact the treating doctor 8:23 – How claims can be impacted by this process 9:22 – IMC referrals and compliance issues 11:29 – Audit findings and insurer obligations 12:06 – Why understanding your rights matters 12:36 – Closing thoughts 📲 Need help with your workplace injury? Call us on 1300 391 947 or visit 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) 🔗 Reach out to Dr. Danny Tang: https://www.patrickmedical.com.au/ (https://www.patrickmedical.com.au/) 🔗 Listen & Connect Catch every episode early! Subscribe free on Spotify: https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims (https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims) and Apple: https://apple.co/48Etptt (https://apple.co/48Etptt) 📲 Need help with your workplace injury recovery? Call us on 1300 391 947 or visit our website 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) 📣 Follow us for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/) Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) Email: marketing@ausrehab.com (mailto:marketing@ausrehab.com) Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y) #WorkersCompensation #IME #IndependentMedicalExamination #WorkCoverNSW #InjuredWorker #KnowYourRights #WorkplaceInjury #ReturnToWork

8. 

   21 May 2026

   Ep 10 Workers Comp Certificate Mistakes Explained | What Your Doctor Can Get Wrong

   “Stress is not a diagnosis. And if there’s no diagnosis, there’s no injury. And if there’s no injury, there’s no claim.” In this episode of Behind the Claim, Dr Danny Tang returns to break down one of the most important documents in a workers compensation claim: the Certificate of Capacity. Most injured workers sign it without reading it closely. Many treating doctors complete it without fully understanding what the legislation requires. And when mistakes are made, claims can be delayed, disputed, or payments can stop. Dr Tang speaks from both sides of the process, as a treating doctor and as an Independent Medical Consultant (IMC). He explains what insurers look for, where doctors commonly get it wrong, and why small compliance issues can create major problems for injured workers. This episode covers: • Why the Certificate of Capacity matters so much in a workers comp claim • Why terms like “stress,” “anxiety,” and “neck pain” are not valid diagnoses on their own • How the date of injury can affect treatment access and referrals • What the capacity for activities section is for, and why it should not be left blank • Why “one month” is not the same as 28 days under the NSW workers compensation rules • Why older WorkCover NSW certificates are no longer valid • How better compliance could improve claim outcomes for injured workers If you are injured at work, supporting a family member, or involved in managing workers compensation claims, this episode gives a practical look at what the paperwork actually requires and why it matters. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Intro 1:02 – Dr Tang returns 2:11 – Initial vs subsequent Certificate of Capacity 3:39 – Why employer name and occupation matter 4:07 – Consent and privacy rules 6:07 – Why “stress” and “anxiety” are not valid diagnoses on their own 7:40 – DSM-5 and psychiatric diagnosis 8:09 – No diagnosis means no claim 9:30 – Why the date of injury matters 12:20 – The 12-week referral rule 15:31 – Treatment plans and capacity for activities 19:48 – No current work capacity and missing timeframes 24:24 – Why 28 days is not “one month” 29:07 – Why WorkCover NSW certificates are invalid 33:22 – Why “neck pain” is a symptom, not a diagnosis 43:32 – Closing thoughts on compliance and better claims 🔗 Listen & Connect Catch every episode early! Subscribe free on Spotify: https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims (https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims) and Apple: https://apple.co/48Etptt (https://apple.co/48Etptt) 📲 Need help with your workplace injury recovery? Call us on 1300 391 947 or visit our website👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) 📣 Follow us for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/) Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) Email: marketing@ausrehab.com (mailto:marketing@ausrehab.com) Podcast Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y) #CertificateOfCapacity #WorkersComp #WorkCoverNSW #SIRA #MedicalCertificate #ReturnToWork #BehindTheClaim #AusRehab

9. 

   1 May 2026

   EP 09 Why Workplace Injuries Don’t Improve | Chiropractor & EP Explain Recovery (Australia)

   Movement is key to getting better. Don’t sit around and do nothing.” Most injured workers are told to rest and wait for the pain to settle. But for many people, that approach can delay recovery and keep them away from work longer than necessary. In this episode of Behind the Claim, Stephen sits down with John Beshay, an exercise physiologist and chiropractor, to explain why some workplace injuries don’t improve and what actually helps people recover. John shares his journey into rehabilitation after seeing a close family member struggle with recovery, and how that experience shaped the way he now approaches treatment. Today, John works across workplace rehabilitation, combining exercise physiology and chiropractic care, and supporting injured workers, employers, and organisations including the Australian Defence Force. This episode covers: • Why movement plays a key role in injury recovery • The difference between exercise physiologists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists • Why staying off work too long can delay recovery • What happens during case conferences in workplace rehabilitation • How return-to-work planning supports long-term health outcomes • Real-world insights into workplace testing and rehabilitation systems If you’ve been injured at work, or supporting someone through recovery, this episode gives a practical view of how rehabilitation works and what can slow progress. Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 2:21 – Who is John Beshay 8:56 – EP vs chiropractor vs osteopath vs physiotherapist 11:05 – How qualifications influence treatment 18:55 – Early challenges in occupational rehab 20:14 – Return to life before return to work 29:49 – Why movement is critical for recovery 40:47 – When recovery takes longer than expected 47:30 – Workplace testing and real-world examples 1:08:26 – Working with the Australian Defence Force 1:16:07 – Challenges in veteran rehabilitation 🔗 Listen & Connect Catch every episode early! Subscribe free on Spotify: https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims (https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims) and Apple: https://apple.co/48Etptt (https://apple.co/48Etptt) Connect with our guest, John Beshay, to learn more about rehabilitation and return-to-work strategies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-beshay-7a7b404b/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-beshay-7a7b404b/) 📲 Need help with your workplace injury recovery? Call us on 1300 391 947 or visit our website 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) 📣 Follow us for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/) Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) Email: marketing@ausrehab.com (mailto:marketing@ausrehab.com) Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y) #WorkplaceInjury (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workplaceinjury) #InjuryRecovery (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/injuryrecovery) #ReturnToWork (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/returntowork) #ExercisePhysiologist (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/exercisephysiologist) #Chiropractor (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/chiropractor) #WorkplaceRehabilitation (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workplacerehabilitation) #WorkersComp (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workerscomp) #AusRehab (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ausrehab)

10. 

    17 Apr 2026

    Ep 08 Why Safety is Non-Negotiable | What Happens When Workplace Safety Fails

    "It was my safety way. There was no highway option." Melissa Tearle was in her mid-twenties, the only woman on site, surrounded by concreters and demolition workers who weren't exactly lining up to talk safety. So she stopped trying to force it. She found a smarter way in. Over the next 30 years, she built a career most safety professionals only read about in textbooks. From small-scale construction in regional New South Wales, to sitting as the safety lead on one of Australia's largest infrastructure developments at Moorebank, she's seen what genuine safety culture looks like and what happens when it doesn't exist. In this episode, Stephen sits down with Melissa Tearle, founder of Incite Safety, to talk about the reality of keeping people safe at work. Not the paperwork version. The real version. Melissa talks about the fatality she witnessed on site. A sequence of events that should never have lined up the way they did. And the quiet, unglamorous work her team did afterward to make sure it could never happen again. She breaks down what a business case for a $20,000 piece of lifting equipment actually looks like when you stack it against $150,000 per individual workers comp claim. She explains why she invited regulators onto a live construction site when everyone else was telling her not to. And she talks about why she thinks "go home safe" isn't actually a good enough standard. Her philosophy is simple. Workers shouldn't just go home the same way they arrived. They should go home better. That's not a slogan. For Melissa, it's the whole point. Need a safety consultant who actually gets it? Find Melissa at (http://www.incitesafety.com.au/)www.incitesafety.com.au (http://www.incitesafety.com.au) 📲 Need help with your workplace injury or car accident recovery? Call us on 1300 391 947 or visit our website below 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ What This Episode Covers How Melissa went from photocopying plans to leading safety on one of Australia's largest infrastructure projects Being the only woman on site and the strategies she developed to get people talking The fatality she witnessed, what led to it, and what changed afterward Why delivery drivers are one of the most overlooked risks in construction How a $20,000 equipment purchase eliminated over a million dollars in workers comp claims Why she invited the regulator onto a live site when everyone around her said not to Why "go home safe" isn't actually a high enough standard Timestamps 0:00 – Opening: a death on work site and why it still matters 2:40 – How Melissa got her start and what those early years taught her 8:15 – Being the only woman in the room and figuring out how to be heard 12:30 – Going out on her own and landing one of the biggest projects in Australia 19:00 – Why the paperwork you sign before work starts can save lives later 24:00 – What it looks like when dozens of crews are all working in the same space 29:30 – How you know a site is actually safe before someone gets hurt 37:00 – The day someone didn't go home and what changed because of it 42:00 – Spending $20,000 on safety equipment to save over a million 49:00 – Why looking after people's health is part of the job too 54:00 – Why she called in the government safety inspectors when everyone else was hesitant about it 58:00 – Closing thoughts 🔗 Listen & connect Catch every episode early! Subscribe free on Spotify: https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims and Apple: https://apple.co/48Etptt 📲 Need help with your workplace injury or car accident recovery? Call us on 1300 391 947 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ 📣 Follow us for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ Email: marketing@ausrehab.com Podcast Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y

11. 

    8 Mar 2026

    Ep 07 Why Workers Comp Claims Get Rejected | Certificate of Capacity & IME Explained (Australia)

    “Unfortunately, back pain is not a diagnosis. Back pain is a symptom.”Most people think workers compensation is about treatment. In reality, many claims stall because of small but critical details in the paperwork.In this episode of Behind the Claim, Stephen speaks with Dr Danny Tang from Patrick Street Medical Centre, a GP with more than 30 years’ experience in occupational health and workers compensation in Australia.They discuss why workers comp claims get rejected or delayed, including:Writing “back pain” instead of a clear medical diagnosis Leaving sections of the Certificate of Capacity incomplete Failing to properly link the injury to the workplace Errors around the date of injury Why workers comp paperwork differs from standard GP documentation What IMC (Independent Medical Consultant) and IME (Independent Medical Examination) assessments are designed to do How capacity is assessed What “suitable duties” and return to work actually mean Real examples of serious workplace injuries seen in practice Dr Tang explains why some GPs are confident in managing workplace injuries while others struggle. It is not about clinical ability. It is about understanding how the scheme operates and what insurers require to approve treatment.The episode also covers:If you have an active workers compensation claim, or you are unsure why your claim has been delayed or rejected, this episode explains what happens behind the scenes and why choosing the right treating provider matters. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwHDAl2NFk) – Why “back pain” is not a diagnosis 3:50 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwHDAl2NFk&t=230s) – Regular GP vs workers comp GP 5:20 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwHDAl2NFk&t=320s) – Certificate of Capacity mistakes 9:30 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwHDAl2NFk&t=570s) – Date of injury explained 13:15 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwHDAl2NFk&t=795s) – Linking injury to work 21:30 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwHDAl2NFk&t=1290s) – IMC and IME explained 34:30 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwHDAl2NFk&t=2070s) – Capacity and return to work 1:06:50 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwHDAl2NFk&t=4010s) – Severe injuries in practice 1:08:10 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwHDAl2NFk&t=4090s) – How to find Dr Tang 🔗 Listen & connect Catch every episode early! Subscribe free on Spotify: https://sptfy.bio/behindtheclaims (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUhGSjlPRTRvd0dsUzFKVnlydEhLTXVHVy13d3xBQ3Jtc0treXZLR05hU0FJMkhLZWxXcGUwN0JLQjRFWlJFaTlLbmRkbW00T19OMy1FNE1zUXowdDBIZGRPdWFUTV92ampSM3REb2lHbllSOU9JcW1hdWJhOUVWR25hRnF3U18zZG1xbm9GVEF0ZnFYMHRWZzA4bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsptfy.bio%2Fbehindtheclaims&v=YtwHDAl2NFk) and Apple: https://apple.co/48Etptt (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWJibHptb3dpNUl6bjNKSDlYN0tIdlNabG1wZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuVVNUczl3eXpUR2Q5UXhQbHc1WVBFTlhGc2JlQnhmMG8tX0dTM3ozUGxXWm5RXzBQQlMxWHVERnYtTkV0SEg5eDBzMklYX3R2U094M0ZHYUdyS2lWeXctMkdiSkNmX1pkaXBXaUotelFYc185dnVZQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fapple.co%2F48Etptt&v=YtwHDAl2NFk) 📲 Need assistance? Call us on 1300 391 947 👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGRQSVZaSWVCX2ZMdGhJclJEY3ZNbEFaeFNOQXxBQ3Jtc0tsRmtBM3hBbHM5Q3R4bHJSbFlfRFphSUZ6cVlWakp2NGdmek9jNnI1Z3MzTHB3c2tRNlQ5TW9WWXRCS2doYlRwZGk2OXNWd0tpZ3BNa1V4UE5feEZfdHlkUERncGgtTDFLc0pNMV9YSm4tc1F6cTZOSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ausrehab.com%2Fcontact%2F&v=YtwHDAl2NFk)📣 Follow us for more Instagram:   / ausrehab   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbktQcFAwSDhnNHFOR3JnWWtyUVlyMExCUk9GQXxBQ3Jtc0tuT1hZN2pBMWxRdXVYSm5jNzFEbko4RTEtRU1IRXhVaWs4QWNQdzNNWTJuMk9yXzRoalpVVVNSZ3FVRUo0LWJ4OVZ5R3E1WmFicEtWNHBVZnJHTGRPd0JxcXdFVWkzSlVLNjkwaTlVUGVrb0Fqa3V0RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fausrehab%2F&v=YtwHDAl2NFk) Facebook:   / ausrehab   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk9vMFJrT3hRRFRZMlduallFQWRNWkhsMEJUd3xBQ3Jtc0trclNUUUhWZGRrQnVWUVR3YlZIRVY5U1pZOVNReHBDN0I0QzFkZHNuMjYzNnIyd0NkZkcweHQtOUVNZmMyNmt1NVlwRE9HVlZrdnA1YWlZeXl2OVN1Z2hYUTJySUtFSDRvWmtmMG0zNGxyOWhsQnh0aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAusRehab&v=YtwHDAl2NFk) LinkedIn:   / ausrehab   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFFZZDZqbG9BZ2NRZkNFNzRWXy12SFdBWUNKd3xBQ3Jtc0tsai0yVmlSRkMwbjMzbUNkT2tXUWNOZWF2VWp5ZGdiWXFFZkdCNW92X2tucV8wZFhJcVd5c2xNSFNaSlV1OUU5VDBOSVQxUjUzdnM3aElGWFZuazExVXp4MDN5SURVeWdRcG9hWVNNODBWMGRUVEpmNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fausrehab%2F&v=YtwHDAl2NFk) Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1hzNTZwbThLTmV1OFhHMUlHaWgwaFpBb3N0QXxBQ3Jtc0trbXJNTkhrdk5YejlBa2pqUVVaeGpJczcyZnJqSlV5cW9PTkZ3bFp2bkR0aWZzYXFmNi1tX3dlb3ZfLXV5Snp5QWJRbjFaRV9QOTgxX0I0ZlZvUHRja1FTYWFqZGFGc3dHLVItQzhOR0Q0TU8xMU5mQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ausrehab.com%2F&v=YtwHDAl2NFk) Email: marketing@ausrehab.com Podcast Playlist   • Behind the Claims Podcast   (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y)#workerscomp (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workerscomp) #WorkCover (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workcover) #CertificateOfCapacity (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/certificateofcapacity) #occupationalhealth (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/occupationalhealth) #IME (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ime) #returntowork (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/returntowork) #behindtheclaim (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/behindtheclaim) #ausrehab (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ausrehab)

12. 

    25 Feb 2026

    Ep 06 Scaffold Collapse & Workplace Death | A Mother’s Fight for Safety Reform

    Christopher was about to turn 18. He had a new car, his first loan, and plans for the future. On the morning of 1 April 2019, his birthday, he drove himself to work. At 12:20pm, a nine-storey scaffold collapsed at a Sydney construction site. He never came home. In this episode of Behind the Claim, Stephen speaks with Christopher’s mother, Patrizia Cassaniti, about what happened that day and the workplace safety failures that led to his death. Patrizia walks through what went wrong on site — scaffold ties removed, missing bracing, 18.9 tonnes of bricks loaded onto a structure that wasn’t secured. Workers had raised concerns. The job continued anyway. She explains the court process, the fines that were handed down, and the moment she was told no one was criminally responsible because the law at the time did not allow it. This conversation examines: The safety decisions that led to a preventable workplace death What Category 1 and Category 2 safety offences mean Why industrial manslaughter laws matter in Australia Why fines alone do not always change behaviour The push for “Christopher’s Law” and mandatory anti-tampering scaffold devices The long-term impact of workplace fatalities on families Why workers compensation death benefits are often not enough This episode is about accountability. It is about the cost of cutting corners on construction sites. And it is about challenging the “she’ll be right” culture that still exists in parts of Australian workplaces. Patrizia now speaks at worksites across Australia advocating for stronger safety laws and culture change. She also runs the Touch by Christopher Foundation, supporting families who have lost someone at work. Her message is simple: You go to work to build a life. Not to lose it. 🔗 Learn more about Patrizia’s advocacy:https://www.letstalkaboutsafety.com.au/ (https://www.letstalkaboutsafety.com.au/) ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Why Patrizia speaks out 2:40 – Christopher’s life before the collapse 6:40 – What happened on site 8:30 – Ties removed, missing bracing, scaffold overloaded 11:30 – Warnings ignored 14:00 – The “she’ll be right” culture 18:45 – Grief and anger after a workplace death 26:00 – Christopher’s Law 30:40 – Industrial manslaughter explained 34:30 – Why no one was personally charged 36:40 – Fine discounts and corporate risk 42:10 – Accountability and consequences 48:00 – Touch by Christopher Foundation 55:00 – Closing message Catch every episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/)Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) 📲 Need assistance? Call us on 1300 391 947 📣 Follow us for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ Email: marketing@ausrehab.com 🔗 Listen & connect Podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y) #WorkplaceSafety (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workplacesafety) #ScaffoldCollapse (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/scaffoldcollapse) #ConstructionSafety (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/constructionsafety) #IndustrialManslaughter (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/industrialmanslaughter) #SafetyCulture (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/safetyculture) #WorkplaceAccountability (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workplaceaccountability) #BehindTheClaim (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/behindtheclaim) #AusRehab (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ausrehab)

13. 

    19 Feb 2026

    Ep 05 Inside Australia’s Aged Care System | What’s Changed in 2026 | AusRehab

    “You can walk into a client’s home and find the client deceased.” That line captures the reality of aged care work in Australia. In Episode 5 of Behind the Claim, Stephen Zheng speaks with Izmir Pooloo from Your Aged Care about what aged care actually involves, how people access services, and what has changed under the new Support at Home program introduced on 1 November. The conversation unpacks: - What aged care is and who it supports - The difference between home-based care and residential aged care - How government assessment teams determine eligibility - What services are covered, including personal care, transport, allied health and nursing - The introduction of contribution payments under the Support at Home reform - Which clinical services remain contribution-free - The impact of funding changes on disadvantaged and non-English speaking communities The episode also examines the realities of working in aged care, including repetitive physical demands, underreported injuries, unsafe requests in client homes, and the psychological risks faced by workers providing care in isolation. Izmir shares how early intervention, structured training, modified duties and mental health support can reduce injury risk and strengthen workforce wellbeing. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction: realities of aged care and system pressures 0:41 – What aged care is and who it supports 2:27 – Support at Home program explained 3:00 – Government assessments and eligibility 6:34 – Funding changes and contribution fees 11:05 – Contribution-free services 13:16 – Impact on disadvantaged communities 18:23 – Workforce structure 23:25 – Workplace injuries and early intervention 27:26 – Mental health and trauma exposure 44:24 – Unsafe tasks in client homes 1:05:46 – System gaps and future direction 1:08:50 – Wrap-up 🔗 Listen & connect Catch every episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ 📲 Need assistance? Call us on 1300 391 947 📣 Follow us for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ Email: marketing@ausrehab.com Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWSvHJb6Zuk43NnqhjwVNsjLysoZRQx6y #AgedCare #SupportAtHome #HomeCareAustralia #WorkplaceSafety #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkersComp #BehindTheClaim #AusRehab

14. 

    28 Jan 2026

    Ep 04 Job Seeking in a Tough Market | Disability Employment & Interview Tips (NSW)

    “You’ve only got that period of time. That’s your time to shine.” The job market is unpredictable, and when you’ve been out of work for a while, returning can feel personal, confronting, and exhausting. In Episode 4 of Behind the Claim, Stephen sits down with Paulo Ubaldo, Business Development Manager and Disability Employment Consultant, to talk honestly about what actually helps people return to work. Especially when disability, injury, confidence challenges, or long gaps in employment are part of the story. Paulo explains what the real employment support process looks like and why progress often happens over 3, 6, or even 12 months. He shares how “reverse marketing” candidates to employers works in practice, and how focusing on strengths can sometimes lead to roles being shaped around the person. The conversation also dives into interview preparation details most people overlook. Simple things like planning transport, choosing the right outfit, setting up lighting for online interviews, and managing stress can make a big difference. Alongside the practical tips, Paulo shares mindset lessons around rejection, resilience, adaptability, and staying realistic in a competitive market. This episode is designed for job seekers navigating return to work, as well as employers who want to better understand how capable talent can be missed when barriers are misunderstood. What a disability employment consultant actually does and how barriers are removed The typical 3, 6, and 12-month support timeline and why patience matters How reverse marketing helps match candidates to the right roles A real case example of matching an autistic, non-verbal client to a routine-based role Interview preparation details that build confidence before the room or camera turns on Why rejection is part of the process and how resilience is built over time In this episode you will hear: 0:00 – Cold open: your “time to shine” and job market reality 0:46 – Meet Paulo Ubaldo, employment consultant 1:29 – What disability employment support really involves 2:47 – The 3 / 6 / 12-month support timeline explained 3:32 – Reverse marketing and creating roles around strengths 5:16 – Case story: autistic, non-verbal client matched to packaging role 7:08 – Practising screening and reducing employer concerns 8:43 – What the employment support process looks like in reality 10:17 – Resume readiness and job applications 12:15 – Interview prep basics people often forget 14:22 – Planning transport and Paulo’s parking story 17:08 – Managing stress and small interview details 18:23 – Why how you leave the interview matters 19:06 – Using interviews as free practice 20:11 – Finding common interview questions online 21:59 – The “Which company is this?” mistake 23:29 – Research that leads to job offers 26:23 – Post-interview mistakes that cost roles 28:31 – Online interview setup: lighting, camera, background 32:19 – Top tip #1: Attitude 33:19 – Handling rejection and building resilience 36:56 – Top tip #2: Adaptability 40:50 – Top tip #3: Being realistic and starting junior 45:57 – Why newly employed people become more employable 48:49 – Motivation challenges for job seekers 49:57 – Persistence and Paulo’s goosebumps story 55:08 – How many job applications is normal 59:28 – Applying through recruiters vs direct 1:00:48 – Wrap-up and how to connect Catch every episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Need return-to-work or employment support?👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ (https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab (https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/)Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ (https://www.ausrehab.com/) #JobSeeking #DisabilityEmployment #ReturnToWork #InterviewTips #NSWJobs #SydneyCareers #BehindTheClaim #AusRehab

15. 

    14 Nov 2025

    Ep3: When the Claim Becomes the Problem | A Psychologist’s Perspective

    “Injury is not fun. No one wakes up and decides, today I’m going to get injured at work.” But the hardest part isn’t always the injury, it’s what happens next. Overnight, people are thrown into a workers comp system they don’t understand: forms, investigations, jargons, and long letters. When you’re already struggling, it can make everything feel even heavier. In this episode, Stephen chats with psychologist Matt Semsar about why the workers comp process can feel like salt on the wound, and what actually helps people recover.Matt has seen it from all angles, as a rehab consultant, as a treating psychologist, and as someone who’s been injured himself. In this episode, you’ll hear: ➡️ Why psych claims are rising faster and costing more than physical injuries ➡️ How the novelty of a workers comp claim (“What is this? What happens now?”) becomes “salt on the wound” ➡️ Why uncertainty about money, recovery and the future can be more distressing than the injury itself ➡️ The common mistakes that turn insurers into “the enemy” – even while they’re spending thousands to help ➡️ Real case examples where poor communication turned a 3-month recovery into 12 months off work ➡️ Practical changes insurers and providers can make to reduce confusion and build trust with injured workers ➡️ How early intervention, clear information and empathy speed up recovery ➡️ Why injured workers must know they can choose their own treatment provider GP ➡️ A simple explanation of acute vs chronic pain – and why long-term pain changes everything ➡️ How behaviour activation and cognitive pathway help people rebuild their lives after injury Whether you’re a case manager, employer, treating provider or an injured worker, this episode gives a brutally honest, hopeful look at how we can make workers compensation more human – without blowing up the scheme. Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome to Behind the Claims 01:47 – Why Psychological Claims are Growing 04:05 – The Injured Worker's Worldview 11:06 – Case Study: From Social to Isolated 21:15 – Who's to Blame: The System or the People? 24:25 – How Empathy Can Be Taught 31:25 – The Biggest Workers Comp Challenge: Uncertainty 36:45 – How a Complicated Process Hinders Recovery 41:24 – Why Your Doctor's Experience Matters 45:55 – Are Insurers the Enemy? 48:29 – The Power of Early, Transparent Communication 58:25 – Final thoughts & wrap-up Get our free Ergonomic & Manual Handling Poster here - bit.ly/46qHOs0 Dealing with workplace injuries? Contact us today to see how we can help - https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ We’d love to hear from you in the comments, or connect with us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ Email: marketing@ausrehab.com

16. 

    28 Oct 2025

    Ep2: Real Stories Behind Psych Claims

    “You can’t X-ray anxiety, that’s what makes psych claims so complex.” Psychological injury claims are the fastest-growing and most misunderstood part of workers compensation. They now make up over 10% of all work injury claims, and they’re costing 38% of the entire scheme. In episode 02 of Behind the Claims, Stephen sits down with Abbie (Rehabilitation Division Head) and David (Sales Relationship Lead) from AusRehab to unpack why psych claims take so long, what’s broken in the system, and what real recovery actually looks like. 🎧 You’ll hear: ➡️ Why psych claims have doubled in the last six years ➡️ How psychological damage is overlooked on the Certificate of Capacity ➡️ Why early intervention and small goals (“collecting mail twice a week”) matter more than timeframes ➡️ What employers can do right now to reduce psych injuries and support staff ➡️ The remarkable story of a worker who went from PTSD to a new $130k career Whether you’re an employer, case manager, or an injured worker, this episode gives an honest, human look at what really happens behind the claims. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Behind the Claims 02:00 - What Makes Psychological Claims So Complex 04:00 - Why Recovery Takes Longer for Psych Injuries 07:00 - The Trouble with Diagnosis & Medication 10:00 - Bullying, PTSD & Common Psych Claim Types 13:00 - Is the Certificate of Capacity Broken? 16:30 - Real Case: From Trauma to Starting Over 20:00 - What Good Rehab Looks Like 23:00 - Person-Centred Care in Action 26:00 - How We Can Improve the System Get our free Ergonomic & Manual Handling Poster here - bit.ly/46qHOs0 Dealing with workplace injuries? Contact us today to see how we can help - https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/ We’d love to hear from you in the comments, or connect with us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausrehab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusRehab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ausrehab/ Website: https://www.ausrehab.com/ Email: marketing@ausrehab.com

17. 

    26 Sept 2025

    Ep1: The Hidden Truth Behind Workplace Psych Injuries

    “Sometimes the first call an injured worker gets is: When are you coming back? That’s the worst question you can ask.” Most people think recovery after a workplace injury is all about doctors and medical treatment. The truth? Medical care only explains about 8% of whether someone actually gets back to work. The real difference comes from the employer. In this episode, Eric (senior rehab consultant) and Matthew (psychologist & team leader) break down the hidden realities of WorkCover and psychological claims: Why psychological injury claims have spiked from 10% to 40% in just a few years What really happens when an employee reports workplace bullying The surprising reason so many injured workers never return to their old job How employer empathy, early contact, and genuine support change everything Why silence from an employer can be more damaging than the injury itself The big flaw in the system that keeps psychologists from speaking up Simple, practical steps employers and RTW coordinators can take to actually help Whether you’re an injured worker, an employer, RTW coordinator, or just curious about how the workers compensation system really works, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of Australia’s silent workplace crises. For more about workers comp and return to work service, visit: www.ausrehab.com (www.ausrehab.com) ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Meet Eric & Matt 02:15 Why the WorkCover system feels broken 04:01 The rise of psychological injury claims 06:09 Workplace bullying claims in real life 09:01 The #1 factor in return-to-work outcomes (hint: it’s not medical care!) 12:22 The cost of staying silent when your worker is injured 15:35 The right way to check in on injured staff 21:50 Why the system discourages psychologist input 23:04 Final advice for employers & RTW coordinators

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