Bushfires are having a devastating impact throughout Australia. Many of our customers – injured workers and employers – are affected. We will continue to provide support and care during this difficult and stressful time.
The EML team has been contacting impacted workers and employers to offer assistance. We will continue to ensure workers are paid as usual and work with our customers to identify solutions when access to their GP or treating health practitioner is not possible, and/ or claim-related paperwork is delayed. For help and advice please contact your EML case manager or contact EML in your state or territory:
- Victoria: Customer Care on (03) 7000 0970 or email customercarevic@eml.com.au
- NSW: 13 77 22
- South Australia: 1800 MUTUAL (688 825) or email customercareSA@eml.com.au
- ACT: 1800 EML CBR (365 227) or email ACTG@eml.com.au
We will also assist employers whose businesses have been impacted and may be unable to pay their injured workers. For help and advice, please contact your EML case manager.
Some people may sustain an injury in the course of their work as a result of the bushfires. These people could be eligible for workers compensation. If so, the usual claims process in each State applies – Make a claim.
Air quality
Due to the smoke from bushfire-affected areas, air quality in some regions are at levels rated as hazardous or very poor.
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:
- Victoria: EPA Victoria
- South Australia: EPA South Australia
- NSW: Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
- ACT: ACT Health
Emotional support
It is normal for a distressing or frightening event to affect people physically, mentally and emotionally. 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:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Kids Helpline (for young people, aged to 25 years) on 1800 551 800 or Parentline on 13 22 89
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Your employer may also have an Employee Assistance Program where you can access free, confidential support.