Workers Compensation Insurance is provided by icare (formerly WorkCover NSW). Refer to the Work Health and Safety section of this SLSC guide for more information on workplace injuries and workers compensation. This coverage generally extends to members undertaking authorised volunteer SLS activities and/or training to be rescue ready (which in most cases includes training for and competing in SLS surf sports activities).
Each claim will be assessed individually however, the following is considered an authorised activity:
- Surf lifesaving operations
- Training or preparatory activities for activities related to surf lifesaving operations
- Fundraising
Who Is Eligible to Make a Claim?
Current financial members (at time of injury) of SLSCs in NSW who sustain an injury or illness while undertaking a genuine, authorised activity as a surf lifesaver within Australia are eligible to make a claim.
Training and competing must be at organised and approved sessions (i.e., competitions conducted under the Surf Sports Manual).
SLSC members who compete in events where prize money is provided to individuals (not SLSCs), and professional competitors who compete in events not under the control of SLS, may need to make claims under the SLSA Personal Accident Policy and/or choose to take separate insurance/workers compensation. SLS members should be aware the provisions of icare concerning payments are generally more favourable than the SLSA Personal Accident coverage.
Procedures for Injured Members
All SLSC members should follow the basic three steps below should they be injured during training, while on patrol, or participating in any other authorised SLS activity:
- Immediately notify your supervisor or club official such as your patrol or club captain.
- Record the injury or incident in the Incident Reporting Database (IRD) as soon as possible.
- Please confirm with your club administrator/secretary or club captain that the report has been entered before submitting your Claim Form.
- Complete the Workers Compensation Claim Form including witness details and send it directly to iCare Workers Insurance.
Note:
The above procedure is for members acting as volunteers/participants. Members who are injured while working for a SLS entity will need to undertake the process specific to that entity and seek access to icare by way of that entity’s specific workers compensation policy.
More information on the workers compensation process (including a copy of the workers compensation form) can be found on the SLSNSW Website.