The Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW) has announced the renewal of its partnership with New South Wales insurance and care services provider icare NSW for a further two years. The renewal enables Motor Trades Care (MTC) to continue providing expert support and training to assist members in work health and safety, returning to work, and safely transitioning towards electric vehicles in the coming years.
The finalisation of the latest two-year agreement will enable Motor Trades Care (MTC), a subsidiary of MTA NSW, to continue its work in improving safety outcomes across the motor industry, supported by guidance from icare that will enhance programmes that reduce risks, boost workplace safety and improve the recovery journey for injured workers. MTA NSW added that the partnership will also provide expert support and training to assist members in work health and safety, returning to work, and safely transitioning towards electric vehicles in the coming years
“Our growing partnership with icare in the work health and safety (WHS) and return to work (RTW) space will be coupled with the specialised safety advice and training that we deliver to businesses across NSW, positioning our industry well for the exciting technological shifts underway in the world of motoring,” said Stavros Yallouridis, CEO of MTA NSW.
MTA NSW says it has previously expressed concerns about the future of automotive workplace safety following the announcement of federal and state targets encouraging a major shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. The association says there are 49,000 technicians throughout NSW requiring training to safely work with high-voltage EV batteries, so a shortage in upskilling programs suggests the industry may be unprepared for such rapid growth.
In line with its goal to reduce workplace injuries, MTA NSW says MTC will help businesses prepare to safely work with EVs.
“The industry has a fair way to go when it comes to workplace safety and capability. This partnership is designed to make sure we can support and educate automotive businesses to minimise WHS risks, and in the unfortunate case of a workplace injury, identify the best treatment plan and get staff back to work in a reasonable timeframe,” said Trevor Ballantyne, General Manager of Motor Trades Care. “MTC is excited to deliver tailored programmes, education, advice and support alongside access to icare’s great research on workplace wellbeing and injury prevention.”
MTA NSW and icare say that since they established their partnership in 2019, MTC has played a pivotal role in reducing the number and severity of workplace injuries in the automotive industry. To date, MTC says it has successfully helped 200 businesses with over 3700 activities and more than 100 workers with compensation claim reviews.
icare CEO Richard Harding says the partnership is a response to the specific needs of the automotive sector in NSW in relation to workers’ compensation.
“Workers and employers in the rapidly changing automotive industry are tackling challenges that can be confusing for small organisations to handle alone,” said Harding. “Our continuing partnership with MTA NSW and their MTC team will help industry participants to receive impactful safety training and post-injury support.
“In particular, this will help local technicians, auto-electricians, or panel beaters who are actively managing their small businesses as they repair cars and serve customers.”