The Accredited Employers Programme (AEP) is a key initiative in New Zealand that empowers businesses to take responsibility for managing employee injuries and related claims. This comprehensive programme aims to streamline the claims process, improve workplace safety, and offer businesses more control over how they handle workplace injuries.
This guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of the Accredited Employers Programme, how to find businesses participating in the scheme, and key information on the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
What is the Accredited Employers Programme (AEP)?
The Accredited Employers Programme is a scheme offered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) in New Zealand. Under this programme, participating businesses (referred to as accredited employers) take on the responsibility for managing their employees’ injury claims when incidents occur at work.
Accredited employers handle:
- Claims management
- Injury rehabilitation
- Payment of compensation for lost wages
- Health and safety support to minimize future workplace risks
By taking on these responsibilities, accredited employers reduce the burden on the ACC while maintaining accountability for workplace safety and providing streamlined services to their employees.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
Benefits of the Accredited Employers Programme
For businesses and employees alike, the AEP offers several benefits:
- Faster Claims Processing Accredited employers have the authority to manage injury claims internally, which can result in faster processing times and quicker access to rehabilitation and compensation.
- Customized Rehabilitation and Support Businesses under the AEP can create tailored rehabilitation plans, offering their employees more personalized care and support throughout the recovery process.
- Enhanced Workplace Safety Accredited employers are incentivized to maintain strong health and safety policies in their workplaces to prevent accidents. This leads to a safer working environment, as the responsibility for preventing and managing injuries falls on the employer.
- Efficient Case Management Having direct oversight of their employees’ injury claims allows businesses to more efficiently manage each case, ensuring that employees receive the support they need to return to work.
How to Find an Accredited Employer
To find a business that is part of the Accredited Employers Programme, you can search through an alphabetized list of participating companies. The businesses are categorized by name, and the full list is easily accessible, helping individuals to quickly locate an accredited employer.
Steps to Find an Accredited Employer:
- Visit the AEP Listings Page: Use the AEP listings page to find a business that is part of the programme. Businesses are arranged alphabetically, making it easy to browse the categories.
- Use Alphabetized Categories: The listings are organized alphabetically, so you can search by the employer’s name or browse through the alphabetized sections to find a specific company.
- Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora: As of 1 April 2024, all of Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) is covered under the Accredited Employers Programme. It is important to note that different districts and functions within Health New Zealand may be managed by different claims administrators. You can find these details under section “H” of the listings.
- Lodging a Work Injury Claim: If you need to lodge a work injury claim, ensure you use the employer’s name under the “Main Employer” category. This ensures your claim is processed correctly and efficiently by the appropriate team within the business.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Under AEP
As of April 1, 2024, Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) has become part of the Accredited Employers Programme. This inclusion means that all public health services across New Zealand are now part of this programme, with various districts and functions falling under specific claims administrators.
For employees of Health New Zealand, the AEP offers quicker and more direct access to rehabilitation services and compensation in the case of workplace injuries. It’s important to check the full list of accredited employers under section “H” to ensure you are lodging your claim with the correct district and administrator.
Interested in the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is another important aspect related to the AEP. This visa allows businesses that are accredited by Immigration New Zealand to recruit skilled workers from overseas to fill roles that cannot be filled by the local workforce.
Key Points About the Accredited Employer Work Visa:
- Eligibility: To qualify for an AEWV, you must have a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
- Visa Process: Immigration New Zealand provides detailed guidance on how to apply for this visa. The application process includes providing evidence of your job offer and meeting health, character, and financial requirements.
- Duration: The AEWV can be granted for up to three years, depending on the nature of the job offer and the applicant’s qualifications.
- Pathway to Residency: In some cases, the AEWV can provide a pathway to New Zealand residency if certain conditions are met. Check with Immigration New Zealand for more details.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
