Important Information for Councillors
As from 1 July 2010, Councillors are deemed workers for the purposes of the Accident Compensation Act 1985. Early notification of this amendment was provided in Infosum on 22 July 2010. As a result of these changes to the Act, Councillors are now entitled to compensation under the WorkSafe scheme in some circumstances.
This article provides Councillors with important advice should an accident or injury occur. As the legislation is now active, if a Councillor is concerned or experiences an injury while undertaking Councillor duties it is important that Mick Jaensch or Anthony Camillo be notified as soon as possible so that appropriate action and support can be taken immediately.
OccCorp Pty Ltd has been engaged as a service provider to Councils by the MAV to assist Council.
OccCorp has been contracted by the MAV to provide the following services to participating Councils:
- A 24/7 injury reporting line;
- Early intervention injury management facilitated by a dedicated Return to Work Coordinator;
- Claims management advice by a dedicated Technical Claims Advisor;
Advice on risk mitigation measures to manage a Council’s Accident Compensation Act 1985 liabilities; and - Premium advice to manage the effect of the legislative amendments on Council’s.
A Quick Reference Guide for Councillors to report Councillor-duty injuries has been provided. The Quick Reference Guide includes the contact details for the ‘OccCorp Injury Reporting Line’. This service operates 24/7 and the contact phone number is 1300 666 303.
What to do if an injury occurs
Step 1 Injury occurs
Step 2 Where an ambulance is required call '000’
Step 3 Report injury to OccCorp Injury Reporting Line 1300 666 303
Step 4 Provide the following information:
Your name and contact numbers;
Council name;
Date and time of injury;
Location of injury;
Background information about the injury;
Information about any initial action.
Step 5 OccCorp will assist with medical appointments
Step 6 Councillor returns to Councillors duties where injury permits and/or Councillor visits medical practitioner for review
Step 7 Councillor provides medical certificate to OccCorp
Step 8 OccCorp contacts Councillor, Medical practitioner, Councillor WorkCover Registrar Mick Jaensch, to develop a Return to Work Plan and to actively manage injury.
Step 9 OccCorp contacts representative of any other employer of the Councillor to discuss injury constraints and Return to Work arrangements.
If you have any concerns or any further questions regarding WorkCover for Councillors, please contact either Mick Jaensch or Anthony Camillo.