Volunteers and Workers Compensation

Did you know that volunteers are not covered by workers compensation?

Because volunteers are not covered by workers compensation, The Centre for Volunteering strongly advises all organisations with volunteers to obtain volunteer accident insurance. There are two very important points to remember:

1. You must report all incidents involving serious injury, illness or fatality to WorkCover. (Please refer to Clause 344 of OHS Regulation 2001.)
2. You must phone WorkCover IMMEDIATELY on 131 050 as urgent investigation might be needed.

It is also advisable to notify your volunteer accident insurer if a volunteer is injured.

Visit the WorkCover website www.workcover.nsw.gov.au and familiarise yourself with The Community Services Safety Pack (Publication Number 4421) to find out your obligations as an employer of volunteers.