Trauma Support & Return to Work Flashcards
What is ‘trauma’?
Any type of distressing event or experience that can have an impact on your ability to cope and function. It can be cumulative as well as one-off.
What does the NZ Police trauma policy aim to do?
Protect the health and well being of all Police employees, providing a process to ensure that employees have access to appropriate psychological support.
Who can access workplace trauma support?
All employees.
The study material lists 12 (non-exhaustive) instances where a supervisor MUST make a referral to their District Wellness Advisor. List them.
- Critical incidents
- Notifiable injury or illness
- Threat to employee’s life while on duty
- DVI incidents
- Attendance at delayed recovery of body
- Unnatural death
- High number of critical incidents over short time
- Operational incidents involving loss of Police employee’s life
- Where Police intervention fails to prevent loss of life or injury (eg. failed negotiation)
- Death or serious injury involving baby or young child
- Incidents that involve other Police employees or family members
- Unpleasant or stressful duties
What should you do to ensure you are attending to your ‘duty of care’ to your staff as a supervisor?
- Support and encourage direct reports to keep wellbeing of their staff front of mind - including non-police staff (scopes & volunteers)
- Consider wellness and wellness services in planning
- Ensure supervisors who report to you are completing mandatory referrals as required
The Wellness Advisor May make a referral to a psychologist, but when MUST they make such a referral?
Following a critical incident and in exceptional circumstances
What are two examples of ‘exceptional circumstances’?
- Natural disasters
- Mass homicide
Regarding referral to a psychologist, the first appointment will not occur earlier than (?) following a critical incident and ideally the second appointment should occur within (?) post incident?
- 72 hours
- 10 days
Why is it important to have a rehab policy and to support employees after injury?
It is in the best interests of employees to continue to work or early and safe return to work consistent with the medical certification and ensures Police meet obligations under ACC Act 2001 and ACC accredited employer programme.
What is the supervisor’s role in the return to work process?
Taking a lead role in initiating and managing the rehabilitation of employees and ensuring rtw processes are followed.
Outline the seven steps of best practice in the return to work process.
- Early and appropriate contact
- Medical, social and work needs assessed and recorded at earliest opportunity
- Rehab meeting conducted asap
- Rtw rehab plan developed and agreed upon
- Regular meetings and rehab plan updated as appropriate
- Rehab process continues until rtw or alternative duties
- Specialist medical advice sought where appropriate
What are the listed benefits to employees and Police in being an accredited employer?
- Injured employees have needs assessed and appropriate medical treatment in way more tailored to needs
- Police can offer a flexible working environment enabling employees to rtw sooner
- Systems developed and maintained to prevent harm and support employees
- Can provide support and targeted rehab plans focused on specific needs of Police employees
- Reduced ACC levies
If an employee doesn’t want their non-work claim to be managed by Gallagher Basset, can they choose to remain with ACC?
Yes
What is a work injury? - provide some examples.
An injury suffered while at work and can include when you’re off site as part of your job.
- Accident at work
- Work-related gradual disease or infection
- Work related hearing loss (more than 6%)
- Work-related mental injury caused by a single significant event
Who is covered in work-related injuries?
- Permanent, fixed term or casual employees. All paid employees.
