Women's Experience in the Workers' Compensation System.
BACKGROUND
Gender differences is a question of major importance within workers' compensation given the increased role of women in the workforce over the past several decades. This article reviews literature relating to women's experiences following work injury.


METHODS
An Australian study is used as background to exploring the broad issue of the question of gender equity in workers' compensation. In doing so it takes account of historical, legal and medical issues.


RESULTS
Women's experience in the workers' compensation system is different to that of men due to a range of factors. It is heavily influenced by the industrial environment in which they work. Women are paid less than men in many instances and work in gender-segregated circumstances, which often reduces their industrial bargaining power. Women also suffer different forms of injury and disease to men because of the different nature of their work.


CONCLUSIONS
The Australian experience suggests that as a consequence of the combination of lesser industrial bargaining power, lower wages and differing forms of injury and disease women often receive less than men in compensation payments, struggle to obtain equity in the dispute resolution process and experience greater difficulties in returning to work following injury or disease.
Guthrie
Robert
R
School of Business Law, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, Western Australia. rob.guthrie@cbs.curtin.edu.au
Jansz
Janis
J
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology; D016272:Occupational Health; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012737:Sex Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D016387:Women's Health; D014942:Workers' Compensation; D017132:Workplace