The current bushfires affecting parts of Victoria and the east coast of Australia are impacting many people and their communities.
We are taking proactive steps to ensure that injured workers impacted by the fires continue to receive the support they need, particularly as they may not be able to access treatment.
Some businesses may be impacted, and may be unable to pay injured workers.
The EML team is always here to help. If you are an injured worker affected by the bushfires please talk to your case mananger. Employers with queries can contact us on 1800 365 842 during office hours, or email our Customer Care team: customercarevic@eml.com.au
We’ve put together some answers to frequently asked questions below to assist you.
Information for workers
My Certificate of Capacity has expired and I can’t get to my GP to get a new one. What should I do so my weekly payments continue?
Contact EML as soon as possible to discuss options available for you to ensure your weekly payments are not affected. Contact your case manager directly. If you’re not sure who your case manager is, call us on 1800 365 82 (toll free) from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday or email customercarevic@eml.com.au.
I have an Independent Medical Examination scheduled that I won’t be able to attend. What happens now?
We are identifying IME appointments currently scheduled for workers in bushfire affected areas. There are also IMEs who will not be able to conduct examinations due to the location of their clinics. We will be making contact with workers and IMEs who may be affected to reschedule their appointment/s if necessary. In the interim, if you would like to discuss your availability for an upcoming IME appointment, please talk to your case manager, or email customercarevic@eml.com.au.
I have been participating in Occupational Rehabilitation Services and am not able to get to my appointments at the moment.
If you have any appointments with an OR provider or a training program that you are unable to get to due to the bushfires, please contact your case manager. Also feel free to discuss with your OR provider about options that may be available to you.
I’ve sustained an injury as a result of the bushfires. Am I entitled to compensation?
If you have sustained a workplace injury as a result of the bushfires, you and your employer will need to follow the usual new claim process. Provide your employer with a completed claim form and your employer is to submit your form with theirs to EML. Your claim will be assessed in accordance with the Act.
You can learn more about the claims process here.
The situation is very challenging for me and my work colleagues, what help is available?
It is normal for a distressing or frightening event to affect people physically, mentally and emotionally, and the impact can be felt weeks or months after the event. In addition to talking to your case manager, you can seek help from these organisations:
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Lifeline on 13 11 14
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Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
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Kids Helpline (for young people, aged to 25 years) on 1800 551 800 or Parentline on 13 22 89
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MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
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Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Your employer may also have an Employee Assistance Program where you can access free, confidential support.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please talk to your case manager, or call EML on 1800 365 82 (toll free) from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday or email customercarevic@eml.com.au.
Information for employers
I’m an employer and can’t access my office to pay my injured workers. What can be done to help them so they still get paid?
Please contact EML’s dedicated Customer Care Team as soon as possible on 03 700 0790. We will be able to discuss options available to ensure your injured employee/s can continue be paid during this time.
My business or workplace has been affected by the fires and I can no longer offer suitable duties to my injured employee. What should I do?
Please discuss the situation with your employee. Please also advise your EML case manager.
One of my employees has a claim as a result of the bushfires. Does it get submitted under the usual process?
Yes, the claim will be assessed through the usual process, and in accordance with the Act. Make sure you and your employee fill out new claim forms and send both to EML. You can send the forms via EML’s online portal, Empower or email customercarevic@eml.com.au .
Visit our website for more information details about the claims process and contact details.
My business has been affected by the bushfires and I can’t pay my premium. Who should I contact?
Talk to our Premium team on (03) 7000 0603 or via email premiumvic@eml.com.au
There’s a lot of smoke haze in my area due to the fires. What should I be mindful of?
Employers need to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their workers and this includes the potential impact of smoke haze. You can monitor the air quality in your area via EPA Victoria and please seek advice if you’re unsure how to handle a particular hazard.
Who can I contact for more information about my claims?
Please contact your case manager during office hours or email customercarevic@eml.com.au.
Where can I seek more information about the bushfire situation in Victoria?
Visit the Vic emergency website for the latest updates.
