Geelong Court Case: Fraudulent Workers Compensation Claims Uncovered
36-year-old James Primmer faced consequential sentencing at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on the 29th of April. He pleaded guilty to an individual charge of fraudulently receiving payments.
The verdict led to a 12-month Community Corrections Order, mandating Primmer to fulfill an obligation of 150 hours of community service without payment.
The court session unveiled Primmer’s history, revealing his receipt of worker’s compensation, originating from injuries sustained in 2014 that affected his lower back and leg. This arrangement carried on until WorkSafe investigators revealed fraudulent activity; any injury compensation handed over after May 2021 was based on counterfeit certificates of capacity.
Inquiries also disclosed that between June 2021 and February 2022, Primmer resumed work with three different employers, failing to divulge this information to his insurer.
Jason Lardelli, Executive Director of Return to Work Victoria, verbalised his reproach for such instances of deceitful behaviour. Though relatively uncommon, the disappointment resultant from these fraudulence cases runs deep.
He commented, “Injured workers count on us to supply support and aid their return to work using powerful tools like the Bluesafe WHS Management System or appropriate SWMS. It is simply unacceptable to misuse funds intended for those genuinely in need.”
Crediting the majority who do act rightfully, Lardelli emphasized that those intentionally trying to trick the system for personal gain would not evade discovery.
To uphold integrity and address risk factors, companies are encouraged to adequately implement their WHS management systems and policies along with Bluesafe SWMS, fostering a safe environment and transparent practices for all workers.
Contact:
Email: media @ worksafe.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0438 786 968
Subscribe to media releases for the latest news.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-05/worker-convicted-over-75000-fake-documents-swindle