June 2002 Volume 83 Number 6 "serving the protectors"
By Trevor Haskell PASA Vice President

Changes to workers’ compensation – a warning to members

It is timely that the new government has flagged a review of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, because recent changes made under the previous government have reduced payments in some cases.

The following information is important for any member who has a worker’s compensation injury and has not returned to full previous duties, and anyone who might be at risk of an injury in the future. This means all workers within SAPOL.

In two recently documented cases, workers were injured on duty and their claims accepted. They have had ongoing restrictions but have returned to the workplace and, in both cases, received promotion. They subsequently had further time off owing to the original injury.

Historically, this never caused concern. They were paid for their new period of time off at their current pay level. Now, claims management – apparently supported by recent Act amendments – is saying: “No, we pay you at the rate you were on when the injury occurred.”

For these two members, this has meant a significant reduction in wages – indeed below that which they might get for being on their own sick leave. This matter is unresolved, and may need legislative change. It is unfair and clearly not a great way of supporting injured workers.

What to do? If you have not been provided with a full work clearance and have received a pay rise or promotion since you last had time off duty, you might need to protect yourself. One way is to document any new injury to the site of the original injury and have the matter determined. It appears that, if the two members involved had stated that they had re-injured the site of the original injury – for example, tripped up a stair or slipped on a floor – they would have had some capacity to claim the injury as new. To establish the issue, it would mean incurring some cost and that would usually mean visiting a doctor to have the matter documented, commented on and supported as a new injury. This also may incur time off to attend.

The absurdity of the situation is that, if everyone went through the process to ensure their entitlements, it might cause SAPOL (or other employers) unnecessary costs. It is a blatantly dumb change. SAPOL would appear to be the first to start using the process in the public sector. Petty pinching attitudes to workers’ compensation usually cost more in the long run. They create psychological and emotional distress that often lengthens the period away from work. Given our battle to keep members at work, this new move is unnecessary and destructive to harmonious working relationships.

Assaults against police

Statistics show that there is a continuing need to be concerned at the number of assaults on police officers. Every assault needs to be considered for potential negative psychological and emotional impact. The emotional impact of assaults is not always determined by the severity of the physical trauma. There are times when the actual physical damage does not reflect the fear or trauma to the mind that was created by the event.

Supervisors, colleagues and individuals need to be aware of the benefits that talking through such events may provide. The effects of personal debriefing in a safe environment can be critical to the psychological and emotional balance of workers. All assaults on police must be seen as potentially emotionally and psychologically damaging. Supervisors and managers need to be aware of the positive impact of showing a personal interest in the member who has been assaulted. The notion that “it was just a bit of a hiding” is unhelpful in showing support and care for the worker.

The Employee Assistance Section, welfare officers and psychologists are available to assist members and work areas when issues arise. Sometimes supervisors can provide the same support by ensuring individuals and teams feel they are supported. This may include taking the time to get together to wind down after an event, share a coffee or strong water together. The rush to get back on the road can often mean that members are over-agitated, and that means less predictable in their responses.

Individuals can assist themselves by venting their thoughts to someone in a “safe” place for them (home, with friends or colleagues). If the system feels too agitated, then take a walk. Take the time to take care of yourself.

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