The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is something of a Kiwi icon – providing comprehensive 24-hour, no fault, personal injury cover to all New Zealanders. However, do you know what cover ACC provides for volunteers?

ACC cover for volunteers is more limited than for employees. However, here are some answers to some commonly asked questions:

Will ACC cover the cost of treatment for injuries suffered by a volunteer?

Yes. ACC will cover the cost of treatment for any injury suffered by a volunteer, whether it was suffered during their voluntary work, in their paid employment, or in any other situation. They may also be entitled to ‘social rehabilitation’ – for example, home help and childcare.

What about weekly compensation?

If a volunteer is injured while doing voluntary work and has to take time off their paid employment, they are eligible for weekly compensation from the second week of their time off work. Weekly compensation does not apply to volunteers not in any paid employment, as they have not lost any income.

What happens if I cause an injury to another person while working as a volunteer?

If you injure someone else while doing voluntary work, and as long as the injury is covered by ACC, you cannot be sued for compensatory damages. This also applies to volunteers who accidentally inflict injuries on someone while giving first aid, if that volunteer is not a registered health care professional.

Where can I access more information?

You can access more comprehensive information on how ACC provisions apply to volunteers at http://www.acc.co.nz/claims-and-care/getting-help-from-acc/WCMZ002232

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