Comcare Decision Wrong for Future Health & Safety of Workers

The Transport Workers Union of Australia is disgusted with the decision by the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission to grant self-insurance licences under Comcare to transport companies TNT and Transpacific.

"This decision will certainly threaten the future safety of workers in these companies and other road users," TWU National Assistant Secretary Michael Kaine.

The TWU maintains that workers will be significantly worse off after being shifted from a State based system to Comcare in the following ways:

- Reduced lump sum benefits for permanent impairment and serious injury;

- No access to Workers' Compensation entitlements for journey and recess claims;

- Lower OH&S standards than those applying to transport workers under the current state system which could result in lower protection of your health and safety;

- Fewer inspectors and prosecutions for safety breaches;

- Reduced access to union representation on safety matters;

- Raising the threshold, a worker must prove their injury is work related;

- Increased difficulty in having your workcover claims processed.

"Adding insult to injury, these companies have also failed to properly consult with their workforce before throwing away their OH&S protections and workers compensation rights, " Mr Kaine said.

The TWU will now be consulting with all the affected employees to work through protecting their health and safety rights in their workplace.

To find out more about Comcare or your health and safety rights please call the TWU Office on (07) 3890 3066 or Toll Free 1800 804 533.