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An employer has lost its dispute over liability for a psychological injury, with a tribunal accepting workload issues and a lack of support were the cause, rather than stress resulting from the employee's physical health problems.

The Allianz senior case manager sought workers' compensation for a psychological injury that she alleged was due to an unsupportive work environment, but the employer denied liability.

In proceedings to resolve the dispute, NSW Personal Injury Commission Senior Member Rachel Homan heard that in June last year, after receiving notice of a meeting to discuss her performance, the employee experienced chest pain at work and attended a hospital. She was told she had a pulmonary embolism, and remained in hospital for several days.

A specialist recommended the employee take the following week off, but she said she was happy to work, as she thought she had a supportive team environment to help manage her workload...