Motor Traders' Association of NSW renews partnership with icare to improve workplace safety

The Motor Traders' Association of NSW (MTA NSW) and Insurance and Care NSW (icare) are pleased to announce a renewal of their industry partnership. This partnership will deliver tailored support via specialist work, health and safety provider and MTA NSW subsidiary, Motor Trades Care (MTC). 

The finalisation of the latest two-year agreement will see the MTC team continue its successful work to improve safety outcomes across the motor industry, supported by expert guidance from icare. 

Stavros Yallouridis, CEO of MTA NSW, welcomed the 'future-focused' partnership, saying that icare's expertise will help enhance programs that reduce risks, boost workplace safety, and improve the recovery journey for injured workers.

"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 Yallouridis.

MTA NSW 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.

With 49,000 technicians throughout NSW requiring training to safely work with high-voltage EV batteries, a shortage in upskilling programs suggests the industry may be unprepared for such rapid growth.

In line with its goal to reduce workplace injuries, 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 General Manager of Motor Trades Care, Trevor Ballantyne.

"MTC is excited to deliver tailored programs, education, advice and support, alongside access to icare’s great research on workplace wellbeing and injury prevention," he said. 

Since MTA NSW and icare established their partnership in 2019, MTC has played a pivotal role in reducing the number and severity of workplace injuries within the automotive industry. To date, MTC has successfully helped 200 businesses with over 3,700 activities and more than 100 workers with compensation claim reviews.

icare CEO Richard Harding said the unique 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. Our continuing partnership with MTA NSW and their MTC team will help industry participants to receive impactful safety training and post-injury support," said Mr Harding.

"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." 

"Our updated agreement promises great programs and outcomes not just for automotive workers, but also for their employers and icare, as their insurer. It reflects the vision of building safer and more productive workplaces that our two organisations have shared since 2019," he said.