The union backing NSW prison employees is renewing calls for its members to have access to the same level of workers compensation benefits as other front-line staff who face potential dangers in their jobs each day.
But the state's corrections authority says comparing workers compensation benefits is "complex".
In 2012, amendments were made to the Workers Compensation Act 1987 which affected many public service employees.
The Public Service Association this week pointed to changes introduced at the time, including new caps and time limits on payments as well as an increased permanent injury claim threshold.
Police, firefighters and paramedics were exempt from the amendments.
The union is arguing that corrections officers should have the same exemptions as other front-line workers because they face similar conditions - along with less choice about the risk of danger they face at work compared with many other jobs.
The issue is particularly relevant in the Hunter Region, where there are four jails including the Shortland, Cessnock and Hunter correctional centres at Cessnock and the St Heliers facility at Muswellbrook.
Corrective Services NSW has about 750 people working at the Hunter's courts and four prisons.
Public Service Association general secretary Stewart Little said prison officers had been on the front-line throughout the COVID-19 pandemic - this was on top of the dangers of possible violence they already faced each day.
"They deserve to have this risk recognised and the reassurance that if the worst happens they will be looked after," Mr Little said.
A Corrective Services NSW [CSNSW] spokesperson said the agency would continue to support staff in the workplace.
"CSNSW staff injured at work receive benefits under the state's Workers Compensation Act, and we make every effort to ensure staff return to work as soon as possible following workplace accidents and injuries," she said.
"Comparing workers compensation benefits is complex, but any change to the scheme is a matter for government."
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