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(e)any aids or appliances for the use of the employee, or the repair or replacement of such aids or appliances;

Section 39 aids and appliances are items used to assist with easing difficulties associated with undertaking day to day tasks both at work and at home.  They will assist with things such as:

  • dressing;

  • meal preparation; and

  • using existing appliances (such as taps, door handles and telephones).

Generally, such aids and appliances should be specifically designed for use by people with disabilities and to assist employees to return to the fullest level of functioning and gainful employment of which they are capable.

Where aids and appliances are claimed, it must be determined whether they are aids and appliances for the purpose of section 39, or section 16.

Defined by the Act as 'medical treatment', artificial limbs, other artificial substitutes or medical, surgical or other similar aids and appliances are all reimbursed under section 16.  They are generally distinguished by their intended purpose.

Such aids and appliances directly assist employees with physical or bodily functioning, and may include:

  • orthopaedic shoes;

  • specialised chiropractic/orthopaedic mattresses and waterbeds;

  • hearing aids;

  • crutches; and

  • wheelchairs.