Voluntary Work for your Strata Company
Did you know that when you volunteer your personal service with your Strata Company, you can be covered for the voluntary work undertaken should you be injured? However, the benefits available to volunteers via this cover is limited, including age restrictions (as an example).
It is important to make a distinction between cover provided by Workers Compensation insurance versus Voluntary Workers insurance.
Workers Compensation Insurance covers those who are deemed workers that are paid for their services, in kind or some other remuneration.
Voluntary Workers Insurance covers those who perform work solely on voluntary basis without reward for their services.
Workers Compensation, like Strata Titles, the insurance is governed by an Act and therefore both are statutory forms of insurance. Voluntary Workers insurance is found in strata insurance, but the requirements for this type of insurance differs around Australia and whilst not mandatory in WA, it is a standard inclusion of a strata insurance policy.
Primarily voluntary workers are covered for the insured events (i.e. Death; Total Loss of a hand eye, foot etc.), loss of income where employed and receiving wages or salaries, domestic assistance, travel expenses, home tutorial expenses, subject to the limitations, excess, terms and conditions of the policy.
Case study – Spring Cleaning Busy Bee
A Strata Company decides to have a busy bee on common area gardens during the warmer spring cleaning months. None of the residents will be paid for their service. As the work involved is only voluntary gardening, rather than contract work, the owners are able to save money towards painting the complex at a later stage by arranging the busy bee. A question is raised at the AGM, are residents covered for an injury from an accident when volunteering for the Strata Company?
Yes, this is an example of voluntary work and would fall under the coverage provisions provided by Voluntary Workers insurance. It is always best to review your coverage and know what you are covered for, as age and cover is restricted. Knowing what you are covered for is one of many important aspects before deciding to perform voluntary work.
