The ACC Partnership Programme allows large employers to take on the responsibility of managing their own workplace health and safety, including claims management and rehabilitation of their own employees following a work injury.
ACC Partnership Programme at a glance
The ACC Partnership Programme encourages employers to take responsibility for their own:
- workplace health and safety
- injury management, which includes rehabilitation, and
- claims management of employees’ work injuries.
Taking on these responsibilities means employers can:
- minimise specific costs of work-related personal injury
- raise the level of workplace health and safety management.
In return for ‘standing in the shoes of ACC’ and taking on these responsibilities, the employers pay a significantly reduced ACC levy. There are two options available: the Partnership Discount Plan and the Full Self-Cover Plan. Each has different pricing impacts and liabilities.
ACC supports organisations in the ACC Partnership Programme through:
- an e-learning training programme for key staff
- assessment of lump sum compensation
- disputes and complaints resolution and review
- a comprehensive monitoring and audit programme
- injury prevention advice, rehabilitation management and interpretation of legislation
- the services of an ACC account manager
- fraud management advice.
Eligibility to join the ACC Partnership Programme
Any employer can apply for entry to the ACC Partnership Programme, although it is more suitable for employers whose ACC levies exceed $250,000 per year.
The programme is available to employers who meet specified criteria centred on their:
- experience in managing occupational health and safety issues
- commitment to injury prevention
- understanding of the importance of rehabilitation.
For more information, see ACC Partnership Programme in the small, medium and large business section.
How to apply to join the ACC Partnership Programme
Joining the ACC Partnership Programme is a decision that requires serious and careful consideration, as the employer may be taking on the lifetime costs of work injuries. The application process involves the following:
- ACC staff – account managers, the ACC Partnership Programme team, and actuaries – will help the employer to understand the costs and obligations of becoming an accredited employer.
- The employer is required to consult with their staff and their representatives before they apply to ACC, and to formally notify each staff member in writing.
- The employer then submits an application to ACC, along with supporting financial, business, and health and safety information.
- ACC undertakes an audit of the employer’s:
- workplace safety management
- claims and case management systems to ensure they are of the same standard as ACC
- financial capability to service the claims liabilities.
- Once approved by ACC, the employer enters into a legal agreement and nominates an agreed cover period.
Last updated: 3 March 2010