Jane Ogden:Chairman & Chief Executive Office wrote:I have been in touch with both our HR team and Accident Management Unit. They have made me aware that this scheme should be discussed as part of the Accident Reporting process, through the relevant lone manager.
INTRODUCTION
Personal Accident Benefit Scheme (PABS) is a non-contractual, discretionary employee benefit provided by Royal Mail Group. Therefore, Royal Mail Group reserves the right to withdraw or vary the terms of the scheme at its sole discretion.
The scheme is designed to alleviate financial distress where individuals suffer a permanent physical or permanent psychiatric disability, as a result of an accident at work. Any potential pension entitlement under the scheme is therefore not legally enforceable by employees.
Benefits from the scheme are not dependent on blame, fault or liability.
PABS is administered by Group Treasury (the Administrator) in Chesterfield.
SCOPE OF COVER
PABS covers (accidental) injury that results in permanent physical disablement, psychiatric disability or death whilst at work (for definition of “at work” please see the section below) or travelling on official business.
Cover is also extended to include permanent physical or psychiatric disability arising out of an assault whilst off duty, where the assault is a direct result of an individual’s position/job in Royal Mail Group or if the assault occurs whilst the employee is attempting to prevent the theft of or damage to Royal Mail Group property.
Travel between home and the normal place of work is not covered under the scheme, regardless of the time with the exception of “emergency call out” and injuries or death resulting from terrorist activities.
In the event of a fatal accident on duty, the next of kin may be entitled to a payment of the maximum benefit. This payment will be made to the individual(s) entitled to the deceased’s pension benefits. Where the deceased was not a member of a Royal Mail Pension Scheme, the Administrator will require a copy of the Grant of Representation to determine to whom the payment should be made.
ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCESS
Individuals suffering an injury resulting from an “accident on duty” must enter the accident in the Accident on Duty Book. Any accident, however small, must be reported as soon as possible – usually on the day it occurs.
The details will be recorded and investigated using the ERICA incident reporting process.
The line manager will print out a hard copy report and file it in the ERICA folder, which replaces the accident book.
If individuals believe the injury is likely to result in permanent disability, they should inform their personnel unit and/or union representative that they may be entitled to make a claim under the PABS.
Serious accidents, which could result in permanent physical and/or psychiatric disability, should be registered in writing with the Administrator within six months of the date of the accident.
(NB. Notifications after the six-month deadline are returned, but we do accept some in extenuating circumstances.)
PABS administrators are part of the Group Treasury, and will only accept notifications and claims from either the individuals’ Personnel Unit or their union. Individuals must not make direct contact with the administrators of the scheme.
All correspondence between the individuals and administrators will be dealt with via the union and/or the individuals’ personnel units.
Claims for benefit under the PABS will not be considered if the accident has not been reported and recorded in the accident on duty book.
CLAIMS PROCESS
The amount payable is determined on the basis of a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Life assessment.
To alleviate immediate financial distress, part payments may be made on the basis of 2 years worth of DWP Industrial Injuries Benefit Provisional assessments.
No payments will be made for Final assessments.
Where a part payment has been made on Provisional assessments; refunds will not be sought if an individual is subsequently assessed for a Final period.
The DWP assessment must commence within two years of the date of the accident and an employee has three years from the date of the accident within which to make a claim. This is to support the link between the claim and the accident.
The maximum benefit payable is :-
£40,000.00 for all accidents occurring after the 1st April 2006
£31,000 for all accidents prior to this date.
Any partial permanent physical disablement will generate a payment on a sliding scale, expressed as a percentage of the maximum benefit.
For all accidents occurring on or after the 1st April 2005, payment for psychiatric disablement will be made on the basis of £100 for each percent of psychiatric disability awarded by the DWP in a Life assessment (a part payment may be made on the basis of 2 years worth of Provisional assessments as above).
*No payment will be made in respect of psychiatric disablement resulting from accidents prior to this date.
DEFINITION OF “AT WORK”
“At work” means performing activities in Royal Mail’s interest, at Royal Mail’s request, with Royal Mail’s knowledge.
Apart from the normal place of work,
This definition extends to training courses, seminars etc. connected with the job or personal development.
Outdoor development courses where an element of risk may be involved.
Travel between home and a temporary place of work (i.e. other than that normally attended).
A Royal Mail Group assignment abroad.
EXCLUSIONS
The following are excluded from PABS:
Death or disability caused by:
Industrial Disease
Work-related complaints
Exacerbation of previous injuries and pre-existing conditions
(We do make payments in cases where the DWP have allowed an offset for a pre condition relating to the injury)
Being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating liquor or drugs other than those taken in accordance with treatment prescribed and directed by a doctor or GP except for treatment of drug addiction
Flying, except as a passenger whilst on Royal Mail Group business
Racing of any kind (other than on foot)*
Mountaineering or rock or cliff climbing involving the use of ropes*
Winter sports*
Potholing*
Parachuting*
Suicide or attempted suicide
War risks
Pregnancy or childbirth
* Unless these form part of an outdoor development course authorised by Royal Mail Group.
ENQUIRIES
Any enquiries regarding this document should be referred to
PABS Manager,
Group Treasury,
3rd Floor ‘A’ Block,
Rowland Hill House,
CHESTERFIELD,
S49 1HQ.
