Employers Urge Caution After $1m ACC Bill

AN EMPLOYER group says an ACC “partnership” scheme should be treated with caution after Affco was billed $1 million for long- term care of a former employee.

Joel Storey, now 23, was paralysed from the waist down when he was shot by mistake in a suspected gang attack in the car park of Wairoa’s Affco meatworks in 2003.

Under the partnership programme, Affco is responsible for work- related injury claims at its premises. It is being chased for about $1 million for Mr Storey’s care.

Employers and Manufacturers Association (Central) health and safety team leader David Wutzler said the programme could have benefits for firms — but also risks. “If a claim occurs and it’s a long-term claim, it’s going to be incredibly expensive.”

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