Not yet registered?Sign upLogin

POSTIES’ HEALTH AND SAFETY AT RISK

Press Releases October 19 2009

» Download press release

Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding has called for a full senate inquiry into allegations Australia Post has been forcing its injured its staff back to work well before they have recovered from workplace injuries.

The call for the inquiry comes after Australia Post gave evidence at a senate estimates hearing in Canberra today.

“There are serious allegations staff have been forced back to work simply to sit in a room to watch television so managers can get their bonus for having lower lost injury time figures,” Senator Fielding said.

“This is outrageous and puts the health of workers at risk because of some greedy managers.

“No wonder Australia Post won an award last month for its rehabilitation of injured workers if it’s fudging the numbers.

“There’s an obvious conflict of interest between InjuryNET, who which looks after the doctors which that Australia Post sends its workers too, and Australia Post itself.

“Dr David Milecki, who is a consultant to Australia Post’s return-to-work program, also runs InjuryNET.

“Australia Post even admitted that this contract did not go through an independent process - sthere was not even a tender process..

“We need a senate inquiry urgently to make sure Australia Post employees are being looked after and that they’re aren’t being taken advantage of by dodgy managers who are more interested in their bonuses.”