We received a disturbing story from a seriously work injured anonymous nurse overnight (via the share your story page), where she shares a disgusting telephone call she received from her Allianz case manager a few months ago. She tells us she recorded the phone conversation, but without the case manager’s knowledge (and after several other incidences of alleged most inappropriate telephone conversations).
Work injured nurse shares a disturbing conversation with her workcover case manager
I was a nurse for 20 yrs and despite reporting an unsafe work environment, I was injured. I tried to prevent it, my employer did not act on the lack of safety and now here I am permanently and severely injured.
I absolutely, positively LOVED my job. It was my identity, the only thing I ever wanted to do and I can assure you-Ms. workcover case manager, if I were able, I would return to work in a heartbeat! The reality is, I can not. Wishing, hoping and praying will not help me recover either. After many desperate independent medical examinations, two vocational assessments, continual denials, endless delays in care, mind numbing frustrations and lots of harassment from Ms workcover case manager, I once told her that “I would do anything to get her [workcover] off my back”. Well, the next time Ms workcover case manager telephoned me she told me the following (I recorded the conversation):
“The easiest way for you to get out of the workcover system is to GET A JOB! Any job! Don’t keep focused on your past occupation. If you are gainfully employed in one manner or another you are much more likely to recover from injury! (WTF!) Check the stats – the longer an injured worker remains on disability, the less likely they are to ever return to work. You have to play an active role in your own recovery, don’t just wait for everyone else to do the work for you.(!?)
Also there is no way for a label of “high risk” to follow you in your applications to other places of employment. Unless you tell an interviewer that you have been on workcover, they have no right to ask you that (oh, really? I thought you had to disclose that under the law!). And believe me, workcover doesn’t have time to track where you are applying and tell them before you get there all about their claims. Nevermind that legally they are not allowed to tell anyone about your claim details under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. (wow!!!).
Get your facts straight and quit with all the conspiracy theories.
Go download yourself a copy of the Act. The act is LEGISLATED . This means it is LAW. The workcover is not part of the government. (!!!!) Believe it or not, their employees are trained to side with the worker if there is not a clear cut decision to be made.
If you think you have been scammed out of money, go review the relevant section of the Act before you go manipulating your own finances. All you have to do is follow the rules. Oh, and actually want to go back to work.”
Needless to say that this evil, uneducated, rude case manager had my blood boiling. Clearly, she is a corrupt employee of this corrupt, cruel workcover system.
I have to wonder about the character of someone that works for and believes in a system that abuses people. What about those that are unable to work – like me- at any job?
I truly hope for your sake, Ms workcover case manager, you are NEVER injured on the job, as then you would see for yourself just how horrible the workcover system really is. They are nothing more than a greedy insurance company and in my opinion, insurance companies have absolutely NO place in healthcare or injured worker claims. Their primary goal is to make money, as much as possible PERIOD. God forbid an injury ever happen to you…but karma is an interesting thing. I’d be really careful about how much you tout the wonderful workcover, because you just may be at their mercy on day as well.
Signed: yet another abused injured worker!
————————–
Well, well, well, how utterly disgusting! More interestingly this anonymous story reached our inbox BEFORE THE famous workcover employee started posting EVIL comments on our blog. You can review this moron’s pathetic comments on our forum, including the banned comments (rego needed to vie the banned ones). So, what we’re saying is that this story does not come to a surprise to us and, in fact, some of the inappropriate comments made were simply reinforced by our workcover employee commenter!
We believe it is the case manager that needs to get her FACTS STRAIGHT.
Workcover is violating injured and disabled workers rights, with impunity as Governments have given them the right to DISCRIMINATE and HARASS defenseless vulnerable injured workers
It’s people like this sick case manager that tell or post STUPID statements that further HARM defenseless injured workers, by the way, HOW WOULD she LIKE IT, if it was her that I nearly ran over on the highway due to lack of sleep and all the medications that I was placed on so Workcover would not have to treat my injuries or pay some wage replacement benefits!!!???
Shortlink: http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/?p=5363
It would be appreciated if the injured worker gives consideration to naming the case manager.
We should all be aware of who is manipulating injured workers by feeding them misinformation.
Allianz appears to have cultural issues — killing off claims and injured workers at all costs.
Just a little warning, it is illegal to tape a conversation without the consent of all parties. By publishing that someone has committed an illegal act, you may need to post a disclaimer that you do not condone illegal practices. I would also have concerns about naming case managers & IME’s. As a open to the public site the named people could have a case to sue for defamation of character. Next time you talk to your lawyer you may need to ask this question.
Up to you if you want to make this comment public, I just wanted to give you a heads up. I wouldnt want to lose this site because you had given someone the ammunition to use against you & force you to shut it down.
[we have decided to publish!]
Under Commonwealth law, parties need to be aware that a call is being recorded, they don’t need to provide consent. Big business seeks consent as it’s the polite thing to do.
As for recording, it is illegal to intercept a call. If the background (ambient) sound was being recorded (not by way of a device that intercepts the call or telecommunications equipment) then this is not illegal.
Further, each state has specific laws on recording audio (telephone call or otherwise). The short story is that you’re generally OK if you believe that you may require that recording to protect your legal interests.
I see nothing wrong with what has gone on here.
Not entirely true, see @Alas_LegalAU’s advice:
http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/2012/03/on-recording-telephone-conversations-and-defamation-atlas_legalau-advice/
Hi ithurts, we have discussed the potential defamation issue on our forum (http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/forum/index.php?topic=57.msg125#msg125).
A law student has also told us that defamation can only be established when it can be proven that a person is suffering financial loss from the ‘defamation’. We also wondered how websites such as http://www.ratemds.com and consumer sites such http://www.notgoodenough.org/ are free from prosecution. These sites name and shame people and companies.
As Legal Atlas recently posted (http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/about/share-a-workcover-tip/workcover-tips/) you must seek authorisation to record telephone conversation (there are a few exceptions). We of course do not advocate illegal or criminal activities and the stories shared here are posted as shared by anonymous injured workers (so we do not take responsibility or liability for accuracy or content of the stories).
The “evil” IMEs and case managers are also anonymously reported, and we do NOT accept responsibility nor liability for the accuracy of those allegation. However we do feel that there is genuine reason for publishing potential ‘evil’ people in order to protect future injured workers from further (mental) harm and/or abuse.
If there is a lawyer out there, we would appreciate your thoughts and opinions on the publishing of names and whether it would be best a) not to or b) publish them under restricted pages, accessible only via registration?
I would suggest, as Soula has, have terms and conditions that make website users agree to be responsible for any information they publish or submit to this site.
Further, people can always post elsewhere, then post a link to this site — that way this site is not publishing any such information.
In any case, defamation has a defence in truth. If what someone posts is the truth (and not malicious) then you have an immediately available defence.
It would not surprise me to see some of the insurers seek to limit free speech. It won’t work. There are a million places information can be posted, and a new blog can be started within minutes.
Remember that you can use anonymising sites like http://www.anonymouse.org to mask your true IP address.
Whilst anonymouse is good, it places just one layer between you and the site you’re visiting.
Tor Project places at least three layers between your machine and the site you’re visiting.
What am I saying? Anonymouse = OK, not great protection. Tor Project = Top notch protection.
Thank you for GREAT tip, we have set up our terms and conditions, on every page in the side bar at the very top! No excuse.:)
http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/about/disclaimer/
Anytime… your virtual assistant :p
Regarding recording telephone calls
https://encrypted.google.com/#hl=en&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=recording+telephone+calls+site:whirlpool.net.au
Defamation
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/wp_defamation
Gosh you are a life saver! Thank you again. But hey, after reading the Defamation article it appears to us that to actually name those case managers and IMEs we will need EVIDENCE.
Re the IMEs we do have quite a few that have evidence of wrongdoing (media/parliament) but re the case managers we just have anonymous “statements” without evidence. So, can those who named perhaps elaborate on why those CMs are “evil”? If we have evidence we are free from defamation! Otherwise we think it may be too risky…
I guess what you can do is _if_ you receive a complaint or take down request about any particular post, you can make a decision at that time.
Else, to stay super safe, people should post elsewhere like on http://www.pastebin.com (Google will cache it within minutes, always paste there using https://torproject.org ).
Also, even if someone sues, it’s not like you can go to jail (unless you defy a judge’s orders). And what are they going to take from us injured workers anyway? I’ve got no assets or cash — sue me
See WorkCover NSW litigation policy here:
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Pages/operationalinstructionsgeneral.aspx
Note comments re media!
Wow, None, you found us a GOLDMINE here!!!! I did not know there was something in place like this in Australia! I can’t find anything for Vic except the online manual statements stating they need to be comply, be transparent etc but nothing like NSW.
We may write an article about it – Thank you so so much (again) !
A must read guys!
I would also suggest The Tor Project https://torproject.org/ (You can even run it off a USB stick so that it leaves no trace on your PC).
Tor will route any comments you make here (or elsewhere) via at least 3 other machines worldwide making it near impossible to trace back to you.
It’s used by bloggers and dissidents everywhere. Use it and protect free speech!
We should have no fear to name and shame these despicable people
We need to make these social misfits accountable
So if it requires someone going out on a limb, so to speak,
It is the only way
The tangled web that the workcover nazis weave needs to be unravelled so the general public can make up their own minds as to what is actually going on behind the scenes
Be brave people and stick to your guns
A major government tactic is to divide and conquer
which is why they get pissy when we join together
Hell even members of the public can get in trouble for congregating together on the streetsWTF?
If anyone is well versed in statutory law maybe they can provide the crucial mechanisms (ie current unlawful statutes)
that are used against us
I encourage solicitors, doctors, patients, whistleblowers within the “industry ” to come forward here to help stop workcovers war of attrition against us
Now we know why workcover is SO secretive
There is a veritable treasure trove of documented misdoings
in the encrypted file repository in the bowels of the beast which need to be made public
Have a great day all and keep your chins up for we are not alone
Bandy
Thank you for you encouragement! great comment mate! Much appreciated!
Re:
> There is a veritable treasure trove of documented misdoings in the encrypted file repository in the bowels of the beast which need to be made public
Exactly people!
Get your Freedom of Information applications happening. Direct them to WorkCover and start asking the hard questions.
Seek contractual information, seek complaint information, seek contractual breach information, seek details of meetings between agents and WorkSafe, seek call centre complaint information, seek audit information.
Let’s get this information out there — right across every state and territory of Australia.
Allianz again recognised as Employer of Choice for Women
Sydney, 14 March 2012
Allianz Australia has been recognised as an Employer of Choice for Women for the fourth year in a row by the Equal Opportunity for Women Agency (EOWA).
Allianz Managing Director, Terry Towell, said “Allianz was first recognised as an Employer of Choice for Women in 2009 and we are pleased to have been successful in receiving this highly sought after citation once again in 2012.”
Employer of Choice for Women status is awarded to non-government organisations that have demonstrated that they have policies and practices that support women across the organisation and achieve positive outcomes for both women and the business.
“Over 2,900 organisations report to EOWA each year and Allianz is proud to be one of the less than 5 per cent of those organisations and one of only two general insurance companies that have been successful in achieving Employer of Choice for Women status for 2012.”
Allianz was recognised for a number of its policies and practices, such as:
flexible work options including; part-time, role share, work from home, and flexible start and finish times;
its talent management program and the range of career development opportunities available for women including; Job Relief and Job Placement opportunities, and Management Programs for front line leaders;
the types of leave and benefits available for employees including the ability to purchase additional leave, paternity and adoption leave, family and emergency leave, and tools to assist employees with work/life balance; and
Allianz’s global and local approach to Diversity focusing on our diversity policies and procedures as well as our focus on its Senior Women in Management initiatives.
Mr Towell said “Allianz takes diversity seriously as we want our company to be a reflection of the community in which we operate and gender diversity is key to achieving this goal.”
Allianz Australia
General Insurance Company of the Year 2009, 2011*
Best General Insurance Company of the Year 2010, 2007,2006**
Allianz Australia delivers a wide range of personal, commercial and corporate insurance products and services to more than 2 million policyholders. Over 50% of Australia’s top 200 BRW-listed companies have some form of insurance cover with the group and the group provides workers compensation services to around one-fifth of Australian employees.
*Australia & New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards
**Australian Banking and Finance Insurance Awards
http://www.allianz.com.au/news/2012/allianz-again-recognised-as-employer-of-choice-for-women
“Employer of Choice for Women status is awarded to non-government organisations that have demonstrated that they have policies and practices that support women across the organisation and achieve positive outcomes for both women and the business.”
Yes, Allianz loves women like Ms Reiner & Ms Jan Rogers. See http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/2012/02/bullying-workers-comp-insurer-allianz-pays-the-price/
Allianz, home to bullying case managers.