Sex injuries 'a work compo claim'

A public servant who was injured during sex while away on a work trip is claiming compensation, saying she is entitled to a payout because the injury was sustained during the course of her employment.

News Ltd newspapers report that the woman was injured when a glass light fitting above the bed fell as she was having sex with a man in 2007.

She suffered injuries to her nose, mouth and a tooth, and "a consequent psychiatric injury".

The woman had been sent to a country town to stay the night ahead of a meeting early the next day.

News Lt report her lawyers argue that she should be entitled to compensation because she was "at a particular place" at which her employer "induced or encouraged" her to spend the night.

Her initial claim was rejected and that decision upheld by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, but the case is now with the Federal Court.

ComCare, the Federal Government's workplace safety authority, said the sexual activity had nothing to do with the woman's work but her lawyers argue it is the same as activities such as serious drinking or socialising, injuries from which have been the basis for successful compensation claims.