A truck driver from Herne Hill, near Geelong, was convicted after pleading guilty to fraudulently obtaining over $3,000 in workers compensation payments.
The Geelong Magistrates Court heard that 51-year old Martin Hoad was working as a truck driver in 2006 when he injured his spine. His claim for workers compensation was accepted and approximately 9 months later when he was able to successfully return to work his claim was closed.
Martin Hoad submitted a second claim for compensation in early 2007 for an injury to his neck and shoulders. This claim was also accepted and he formally declared that he was not engaging in any form of employment while receiving weekly compensation payments.
Evidence revealed however, that while in receipt of compensation payments, Martin Hoad was employed by Negri Contractors and was working 6 days per week as a truck driver and trim grader operator.
Martin Hoad pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulently obtaining payments under the Accident Compensation Act 1985.
He was convicted and fined $1,000, and ordered to repay $2,700 of the compensation he obtained fraudulently. Martin Hoad was also order to pay costs of $800 to WorkSafe Victoria .
WorkSafe Victoria’s Executive Director, Len Boehm said that WorkSafe Victoria was committed to doing everything it could to ensure injured workers receive the care and support they need to re-enter the workplace.
“But we will not support fraudulent behaviour that attempts to take advantage of the system.”
“We will identify and prosecute those who deceive the system, in order to protect honest workers and employers,” said Len Boehm.