Q: Can we as an employer make an employee claim ACC for an injury through their doctor that’s not work-related?

We have an employee who sprained their back at home but hasn’t lodged it with ACC and has a medical cert (Non acc cert) dated until June when they see the Orthopedic Specialist. They are able to work from home so the note says we have set that up but they were off work only 6 months prior for an ACC back injury this time they haven’t gone through ACC so have been using some of their sick leave, annual leave etc for bits and pieces of time off.

I’m concerned that when they do go to the specialist it will probably be ACC then we will have to look at pay adjustments for time off that’s been paid.

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A: No, an employer cannot make an employee go on ACC. You have every right to raise concerns about the impact on the work they do (not on their injury).