Dear reader,

I had the misfortune of seeing May Payne with my game-mad husband this weekend. Thankfully, it only lasted an hour and a half, although its brevity was to its detriment. All I was able to get from the sparse story line was a lot of Norse references and another instance of a large conglomerate willing to sacrifice its employees for the chance of enormous wealth!

Now, I know none of our loyal Health and Safety readers would ever stoop so low. In fact, some of you may be guilty of the reverse – going above and beyond the call of duty.

We’re here to ensure you keep within both sides of the legal parameters: how far to go, as well as when to stop. Like Anton below...

Must I supply transport to and from the hospital for injured employees?

Question
I have an injured employee. Must I supply his transport to the clinic? If he has to return for regular checkups, must my company supply transport for these too?

Answer
Dear Anton

There’s no legislation indicating your company must supply transport when your employee injures himself.

Your company’s policy will usually decide whether you’re obliged to supply transport for injured employees. When your policy says you must supply transport, you can’t stop this support halfway through the recuperation phase. You should then maintain it up to the point where your employee is fit to work again. If you keep sufficient documentation regarding the transportation costs you’ve incurred from this, there is the possibility that the COID Commissioner can refund your company these costs.

Do you work on construction sites? Reflective clothing is highly recommended

If you do, it’s recommended that the clothing you assign each employee is of the correct kind that they’re visible at all times: it will help them avoid being run over by any heavy-moving equipment you have on site!

Stay safe, 

Rachel Paterson
Publisher