Rights and Entitlements in the ACC AEP

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OneStaff are a member of the ACC Accredited Employer Programme. In addition to supporting our employees following workplace accidents, our aim it to reduce injuries and provide early intervention to support workers to return to independence and work. The ACC Accredited Employer Programme (AEP) enables OneStaff to provide the same level of care and cover offered by ACC while adhering to the ACC Compensation Act 2001.

Entitlements

The following are some of the services we may be able to provide when you have an accepted claim.  Please note: This information may change and should only be used as a guide.

Medical Treatment

Your Employer may provide assistance towards medical treatment for your injury.  Normally the medical provider who treats you will claim expenses for your medical treatment directly from WorkAon. There may be an additional charge above the Accident Compensation contribution that you will have to pay.  Your Employer can only pay towards the cost of treatment by a registered treatment provider if you have a referral for treatment from your medical practitioner and you have obtained prior approval in writing from WorkAon. CT and MRI investigations, as well as private surgical procedures, must have prior approval before you proceed.

Prescription Costs

You may have been prescribed medications to assist with your recovery. You should contact your WorkAon Case Manager to determine whether we can assist with reimbursement of these costs.

Transport to Treatment and Rehabilitation

Your Employer can contribute to your travel costs (by reimbursing public transport costs or at a rate of 29 cents per kilometre) if:

  • You travel more than 20 kms (one way per trip) to your nearest place of rehabilitation within 2 weeks of your injury, or
  • You travel more than 80 kms within any calendar month, and/or
  • You spend more than $46 on scheduled public transport in any calendar month.

Criteria may vary depending on circumstances. Please seek approval prior to travel.

Weekly Compensation

Weekly compensation is payable if you are unable to continue paid work because of your injury and you are off for longer than one week. You may qualify for top-up pay if you are able to work partial hours or duties because of your injury. Weekly compensation will only be paid while you have a current medical certificate from your doctor to say that you are unable to work. Weekly compensation is based on 80 percent of your average gross weekly earnings and is paid from the second week of work.

If you were injured while on parental leave, and unable to return to work as planned as a result of the injury, you may be eligible for weekly compensation from the date you were due to return to work.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you are receiving weekly compensation WorkAon can assist your return to work as by developing an appropriate return to work programme. This may include vocational guidance counselling, CV preparation, work experience, work trial, retraining and work placement.

Supporting your Independence

Your Employer can help towards the cost of the following (this is generally paid from the date you applied for assistance):

  • Personal support; if you need help to look after yourself, your home or children.
  • Special equipment or changes to your home or motor vehicles to help regain independence.
  • Training to help you gain independence in your daily activities.
  • Education support
Lump Sum Compensation

If you were injured after 1 April 2002, and this injury has a significant long-term effect, you may be entitled to lump sum compensation. Any lump sum assessment can only be undertaken once the injury has stabilised. Injuries that occurred before April 2002 are not eligible, but you may be entitled to an independence allowance.

 

ACC Code of Claimants’ Rights

The ACC Code of Claimants’ Rights was introduced from 1 February 2003. This requires that all people with an accident-related injury claim be treated with dignity and respect. For more information go to www.acc.co.nz.

2. Your rights and responsibilities

Your rights while getting help from WorkAon

The Code of ACC Claimants’ Rights help guide how we work with you. To find out more about the code of the ACC Claimants’ Rights follow the link ACC Code or visit the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz

Minimising any delays to getting help

While you’re receiving assistance from WorkAon you can help us by providing medical certificates that show the progress of your injury/fitness for work if we ask for them; avoiding any activities that your medical certificate or health professional say you shouldn’t do; taking part in appropriate treatment and rehabilitation if required; contacting us if your circumstances or your contact details change; going to your appointments, including assessments that we ask you to attend; changing appointments in advance if you can’t make them

How to make sure you get the right amount of weekly compensation

We ask that you let us know prior to doing any paid or unpaid work, or increasing your work hours; if you receive any money such as payment for work done, a pay increase or holiday pay; of if you receive anything in place of income, such as work done for you, free board or petrol, money.

If you have an Individual Rehabilitation Plan

When preparing or updating your plan, you’re welcome to involve your health professional, employer/future employer, or a family member, friend, or other representative. Before signing your plan you’re welcome to ask for independent advice. You’ll be responsible for working with us to prepare/update and follow your plan.

If you don’t think we're meeting our responsibilities

You can talk with your case manager or their manager to discuss any issues. If you’re unhappy with our services or you think your rights have been breached, you can make a complaint. If you disagree with a decision we’ve made on your claim, including rehabilitation plans, you can apply for an independent review.

If you’re unable to meet your responsibilities

If you can’t meet your responsibilities and there isn’t a good reason, we may decline to provide entitlements.

For more information about the ACC Accredited Employer Programme, contact:
OneStaff - 0800 1STAFF
WorkAon - 0800 185 400
ACC - 0800 101 996