May 19 2010

Richard Zapart, 59, worked for the MFB for 35 years as a firefighter from Altona. He came into the job because he had a natural desire to help others, but after suffering severe burns to 90% of his body his employer and WorkCover can't find the decency to support him in return.

Richard was badly injured in a factory fire in 2007 and went into a coma for 6 weeks. For months, surgeons took skin grafts to save his live, and he still undergos physiotherapy every day to stretch his damaged skin. The tips of Richard's fingers were burned off, leaving him unable to even pick up a hose.

Last month, WorkCover stopped his support payments, and he was ordered back to work. Zapart was gutted by the decision.

"When any employee is injured in a workplace accident through no fault of their own they should be covered for the duration of their rehabilitation, not by an arbitrary timeline set down by the Government."

Union pledges to fight for "decent support"

The United Firefighters Union says Richard's devestating situation is a call to arms for all firefighters to secure protection at work.  

"Our members put their lives on the line to protect the community - they deserve to be supported when they get hurt at work. We are fighting tooth and nail to ensure this kind of incident never happens again," said UFU National Secretary, Peter Marshall.

Under current arrangements, firefighter wage support is reduced after 52 weeks of the initial injury, regardless of how bad the individual is hurt, or whether they are physically able to return to work.

"We are seeking to have 104 weeks protection enshrined in our next enterprise agreement with the MFB. Firefighters deserve protection above the measly minimum period mandated by WorkCover."

Richard's story is a reminder of just how important having these conditions protected can be when things go wrong.