The good news is that, so far, we don’t think any of our people in Canterbury have been hurt in the earthquake. A few have suffered property damage though, which was extensive in a couple of cases. We’ve been heartened by everyone’s willingness to pitch in and help. Thank you.
Good progress is being made this morning reorganising our operations in Christchurch.
Property
It has still not been possible to properly inspect our central Christchurch properties. So there is no change to previous advice that both Trust House and Charles Luney House will be closed this coming week, ie from Monday 6 September to Friday 10 September inclusive.
Northwood branch is currently accommodating more and more staff and work so please be patient if you have ‘business as usual’ work to do with them.
Staff
As previously advised, we do not expect Canterbury staff dealing with significant personal matters arising from the earthquake to be at work today. They should talk to their manager so that we know what is happening, can help if they need it and make any plans that are necessary. Special leave can be taken.
EAP
Any Canterbury staff who feel they would like to talk to someone about what has happened can access the EAP service free of charge. Staff can either contact Stratos who are the programme providers via freephone 0800 STRATOS (787 2867) or contact their Manager or Human Resources who can also provide you with the phone numbers.
Christchurch claims management staff who are working today should have received instructions from their managers. If not please just come to the Northwood branch.
Non-claims management staff in Canterbury have been asked to work from home so will not be at the branches.
Remember, if you need to contact a staff member who may have been relocated please call the ISC, who will have a list of where everyone is.
Also, any mail that would normally have been sent to Trust House and Charles Luney House is now being redirected to Northwood branch.
Clients
We have been contacting all serious injury clients in the area to ensure they are safe. Civil Defence protocols mean that any emergency care they require is the responsibility of the civil defence teams, and so we have been making sure everyone knows how that process works.
ICT
There is no significant update since yesterday. Most ICT appears to be operational at a system level. However, there will be issues as we attempt to move people and equipment around the Christchurch area. Please be patient, work with local management and the service desk and be prepared to share.
If you have a laptop in the Christchurch area please make it available to staff in the Northwood branch.
Travel to Christchurch
If you have non-essential ACC business in Christchurch this week please cancel it and reschedule for another time or use teleconference etc.
DRSL
The Christchurch office of DRSL will be closed this week for the entire week. All hearings and mediations scheduled to take place this week at our Christchurch office will not take place. Clients will be contacted as soon as possible to re-arrange their hearing or mediation. The review hearings scheduled for today (Monday) in Dunedin will not proceed but other South Island reviews and mediations will continue as set down. DRSL hope to re-open the office on Monday 13 September 2010.
There is a message on DRSL’s main phone line (03) 962 9000 and their website www.drsl.co.nz will be updated during the week.
Further information
Further updates will be provided as events progress.
This information will be available via email, on ACC’s internet site or by calling on 0508 265 265.
Christchurch staff should actively check these information sites.