Disclaimer – This article is provided for general information and education. It is not financial or legal advice. Whether a FIFO or mining worker in Queensland is eligible for a TPD claim will depend on the individual’s policy wording, medical evidence and employment history. Contact a superannuation/insurance-claims lawyer for advice tailored to your situation.
Queensland’s mining and resources sector employs thousands of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) and site-based workers. The work is well-paid but comes with significant health and safety risks.
Accidents with heavy machinery, repetitive strain injuries, dust-related lung disease, hearing loss, depression, PTSD, and FIFO burnout are just some of the conditions that prevent mining workers from returning to work.
The good news is that most Queensland FIFO and mining workers hold TPD insurance through their superannuation funds, which can provide critical financial support if illness or injury leaves you permanently unable to work.
This guide explains:
- The conditions FIFO and mining workers must meet to qualify for a TPD claim.
- The medical conditions most commonly leading to claims.
- The evidence insurers rely on.
- Common insurer tactics and how to counter them.
- Case studies from Queensland.
- Pitfalls to avoid and how to protect your claim.
Why FIFO and mining workers often qualify for TPD
Mining jobs are considered high-risk occupations for TPD purposes. Typical tasks include:
- Working at heights.
- Operating or maintaining heavy machinery.
- Heavy lifting and repetitive manual work.
- Exposure to dust, noise, and chemicals.
- Extended FIFO rosters away from family and support networks.
Even relatively “minor” health issues (e.g. reduced spinal function, respiratory symptoms, psychological injuries) can mean permanent incapacity because returning to safety-critical mining work is impossible.
Common conditions for FIFO and mining TPD claims
| Condition | Impact on mining/FIFO work | TPD claim eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Back & spinal injuries | Cannot lift, climb, or operate machinery safely | Often successful with strong functional evidence |
| Shoulder/knee injuries | Limited range of motion, reduced carrying capacity | Eligible if physical duties can’t be performed safely |
| Silicosis, asbestosis, COPD | Dust-related lung disease, breathlessness, oxygen therapy | Strong claims with specialist respiratory evidence |
| Hearing loss | Safety risk with alarms/machinery | May support TPD claim under ADL or own occupation definitions |
| PTSD, depression, FIFO burnout | Inability to cope with isolation, fatigue, site pressures | Successful with psychiatric evidence |
| Heart disease/cardiac events | Risk of recurrence in stressful site environments | Often accepted as TPD incapacity |
✅ Mining jobs require full physical and mental capacity – small impairments can equal total incapacity.
❌ Insurers often argue workers can “retrain” for office/admin jobs – vocational evidence is crucial.
How insurers assess mining worker TPD claims
| Factor | What insurers look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Policy definition | Own occupation vs any occupation vs ADL | Own occupation is easier to satisfy, but most policies use “any occupation”. |
| Medical reports | Specialists: orthopaedic, respiratory, psychiatric | GP notes rarely suffice. |
| Functional capacity | Can you lift, climb, operate machinery? | Evidence of incapacity to safely perform site duties is vital. |
| Vocational assessments | Could you retrain for admin or supervisory roles? | Insurers often rely on this argument. |
| Treatment history | Compliance with rehab, surgery, therapy | Non-compliance may be used to reject claims. |
Common insurer arguments
- “You can retrain for light duties.” Insurers often push FIFO workers toward office roles.
- “Your condition is not permanent.” Delays occur while they wait for “maximum medical improvement.”
- “Your symptoms are subjective.” Used against mental health and respiratory claims.
- “Non-compliance with treatment.” Missed rehab or medication is seized on as grounds to reject.
Case examples in Queensland
Case 1 – Back injury in a machinery operator
- Facts: Michael, 47, excavator operator, chronic disc injuries prevented him climbing ladders or operating safely.
- Outcome: Insurer argued retraining was possible. Vocational evidence proved otherwise. $420,000 paid into super.
Case 2 – Silicosis in FIFO driller
- Facts: Sarah, 39, FIFO driller, developed silicosis requiring oxygen. Insurer claimed she could do admin.
- Outcome: Respiratory specialist and spirometry testing confirmed incapacity. $350,000 payout approved at AFCA.
Case 3 – PTSD and burnout in mine supervisor
- Facts: Ahmed, 52, site supervisor, developed PTSD after a workplace accident and severe FIFO burnout.
- Outcome: Psychiatric evidence proved permanent incapacity. Insurer delayed 14 months, then paid $500,000 lump sum.
Pitfalls to avoid
❌ Lodging with GP notes only – specialist reports are required.
❌ Applying too early – most policies require 3–6 months off work.
❌ Ignoring vocational assessments – insurers will argue “light duties.”
❌ Not documenting FIFO psychosocial stressors – important for mental health claims.
❌ Giving up after first rejection – many succeed on appeal or AFCA complaint.
How to protect your FIFO/mining TPD claim
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| ✅ Obtain specialist medical reports | Orthopaedic, respiratory, psychiatric reports carry most weight. |
| ✅ Document treatment & compliance | Demonstrates permanency and effort to recover. |
| ✅ Collect functional/vocational assessments | Counters “light duties” or retraining arguments. |
| ✅ Apply after waiting period | Avoids premature rejection. |
| ✅ Seek legal advice early | Lawyers know insurer tactics in FIFO/mining claims. |
FAQs
Can I claim TPD if I can’t return to FIFO but can work in town?
Yes. Own occupation policies are more favourable. Under “any occupation”, it depends on your training and skills.
What if I had multiple super funds from different mining jobs?
You may be able to lodge multiple claims, provided cover was active in each fund.
Do insurers dispute mining-related claims more?
Yes. They often argue workers can retrain into admin roles, even when unrealistic.
Can mental health conditions like FIFO burnout or PTSD qualify for TPD?
Yes. Psychiatric claims are common but need strong specialist evidence.
Key takeaways
- FIFO and mining roles are high-risk and physically/mentally demanding.
- Specialist evidence and vocational reports are essential to counter insurer tactics.
- Respiratory and mental health conditions are common but heavily scrutinised.
- Many FIFO/mining claims succeed at AFCA or in court after initial rejection.
FIFO and mining workers face unique risks that often make returning to site work impossible after illness or injury. While insurers frequently dispute these claims, strong medical, functional, and vocational evidence can turn a rejection into a successful payout.
At TPD Claims Lawyers, we act for FIFO and mining workers across Queensland. We prepare robust evidence, fight insurer pushback, and secure fair payouts for injured and unwell workers. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your claim.
Last updated: 9 September 2025