Job accident payouts alarm employers

Employers are alarmed by a rapid increase in court-ordered reparation awards to victims of workplace accidents, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association.

An award of $195,000 last month after a fatal accident on a commercial fishing boat had more than doubled the previous maximum, but increasing payouts would not make workplaces safer, the association's northern branch said yesterday.

"By increasing the level of payout orders, the courts are usurping the role of the ACC," said Paul Jarvie, EMA manager of occupational health and safety.

"Making reparation orders like this, on top of the lump sums and other payments by ACC, amounts to double dipping and a lottery for accident victims."

People injured at work, or elsewhere, are often entitled to lump sums from ACC.

"Then, a lottery may swing into effect if Occupational Safety and Health investigates and decides to prosecute," Mr Jarvie said.

- NZPA