At this point in time and until the NSW RFS can confirm resolution of an element of great concern, we have discovered that RFS Volunteers are Not covered by iCare should they be involved in an Injury/Accident while attending any formal RFS Meeting.
iCare, the RFS’s Insurers have refused a Volunteers Injury claim even though the Volunteer was formerly requested to attend “a Meeting” which was held within a Fire Control Centre. So, if you attend an organised Meeting called for by the NSW RFS, it now seems YOU are NOT covered by Workers Compensation for any Injury arising from your attendance before, during and after that Meeting; according to iCare.
This applies to all brigade members attending General Meetings at Stations or attending Meetings at Fire Control Centres.
The NSW RFS is very much aware of this deeply concerning matter and we are actively working with them to reach a positive outcome as quickly as possible that confirms all RFS Volunteers are fully covered from any type of injury.
We make it clear that this is NOT the fault of the NSW RFS, rather iCare who is simply avoiding its responsibility to see that our Volunteers are appropriately covered from any type of Injury incurred in the line of duty.
In delving deeply though into the BFERS Act (Bushfire, Emergency & Rescue Service Act), we find no specific coverage showing for NSW RFS Volunteers at Motor Vehicle Accidents, Flood Recovery, Search & Rescue Events, Call Outs via RFS Active that are NOT bushfire related, Ambulance Assistance Requests, the list could go on.
Until this is resolved, we recommend that you consider wisely before you attend any RFS Building’s (Station or FCC’s) for Meetings, as at this point in time, YOU are NOT Covered.
We will update you as quickly as we can, once we secure the outcome of coverage that we seek for you all.
