Work-Related Injury and Rehabilitation

This is a reminder about how we support our staff if they are injured at work. It also includes important information about lodging claims during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Our Commitment to You

Access Community Health is a member of ACC’s Accredited Employer Programme. This means we take on the responsibilities of ACC, managing and covering the costs associated with all workplace accidents for our employees.

 

If You Are Injured at Work

1. Report the Injury: Please report any work-related injury immediately.
2. Support Team: Our dedicated Case Managers, Aneeta Gaunder and Morgan Wilson-Hoyes, work with Howden Care to support you, your manager, and your injury management champion to achieve your rehabilitation goals.
3. Claim Assistance: Our Case Managers will help you with:

o   Lodging a work-related injury claim

o   Claim decisions and management

o   Compensation and entitlements

o   Returning to work.

 

Steps to Follow

1. Inform your Regional Coordinator or Injury Management Champion if you have a medical certificate and are off work
2. When seeking advice from a healthcare provider, at the same time contact your Injury Management Champion or Centre Coordinator for support
3. Provide your medical certificate to your regional office as soon as possible to ensure timely assistance with your claim and return-to-work program.

 

Important Note: If you are seeking treatment for pain, confirm with your doctor if a claim is being lodged. Delays in claim management and rehabilitation can occur if we are not informed.

 

If You Are Injured Outside of Work

1. Non-Work Injuries: These are managed by ACC. Inform your manager if you have an injury or are on medication that could affect your ability to work safely
2. Optional Support: You can request that our dedicated Case Manager at Howden Care, Kate Davison (Kate.Davison@howdengroup.com), manage your non-work claim if you are off work for more than seven days. This ensures a smoother return to work.

 Claims During the Holidays

1. Investigation Time: Claims lodged at any time are subject to detailed investigation, which can take time due to waiting for doctors’ and specialists’ reports
2. Financial Considerations: Remember, the first week of absence is not paid by the claim. No compensation is provided while the claim is pending a cover decision. You must use your paid leave entitlements before we can approve any unpaid leave.  For financial hardship, contact your regional office.

 Avoiding Stress

To avoid financial stress during the festive season:

1. Take care to avoid injuries
2. Only lodge claims when necessary
3. Remember, claims are not a substitute for taking a break from work. Delays in cover decisions can mean delays in compensation.

If you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to talk to your regional Injury Management Champion.