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Mr Charles reported that he sustained a strain to his lumbar spine that was reported to be
of gradual onset over a period of 1 week, until 14/07/2003. The injury occurred whilst he

was performing normal duties. Mr Charles stated that he began to notice pain in his lower
back while performing his duties at work approximately 1 week prior to 14/07/2003. He

stated that this gradually became worse until he was unable to continue working. He

indicated that he experienced pain (unable to describe) that developed gradually over a
period of 1 week in his lower back (worse on the right side) and intermittent pain in his legs

which is worse while driving a manual vehicle. In addition, he reported experiencing a

reduced range of motion in his lower back following the incident. Mr Charles indicated that
he ceased work on 14/07/2003 He reported the incident to his Supervisor, Bob Marley after

7 days (14/07/2003). Mr Charles explained that he had delayed reporting the incident
because his injury developed gradually. Mr Charles indicated that he consulted a doctor,

Dr Brown on 14/07/2003 and had delayed seeking treatment earlier as his injury developed
gradually. At this consultation, he was diagnosed with a lower backache. He was

prescribed painkillers (unsure of type), was prescribed anti-inflammatory drug (Nurofen),

underwent an X-ray (did not detect an injury) and a CT scan (showed an injury to two discs)
and was referred to a specialist, Dr Violet for further investigation. He was also advised to

remain off work from 14/07/2003 to 16/07/2003 (certificate issued on doctor letterhead).

Mr Charles reported that the incident was not witnessed by others. Additional information
obtained during the assessment revealed that he does not have a history of a previous

similar injury.

Summary of Initial Contacts

Injured Worker

We have been in regular contact with Mr Charles since the 7th of August 2003. We liaised

with Mr Charles on the 11th of August 2003 via workplace meeting, in the presence of
Arabic/Lebanese Interpreter. Mr Charles was observed sitting with slumped posture, in

which his centre of gravity is drifted forward. He demonstrated functional range of motion

at the lumber spinal vertebrae. Mr Charles described his condition and status to date. He
reported his symptoms have been static for the past 2 weeks. He explained he continues

to experience constant “throbbing” pain at approximately L5/S1 and right thigh. He
reported prolonged driving, and lifting worsens the pain intensity. On the visual analogue

scale he rated the intensity of these symptoms at 9 out of 10 (where 0 = no pain and 1- =