41.As a general rule, as modifications involve permanent changes, it is expected that an employee suffering the effects of a more severe impairment would more easily qualify for payment under this paragraph.
42.Severe impairments include:
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paraplegia and quadriplegia; and
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full or partial leg and arm amputations (excluding loss of digits).
43.However, this should not preclude employees with lesser impairments from successfully claiming for modifications.
44.In most cases, modifications will be to an employee's vehicle (which must be owned and registered by the employee, or a member of his or her immediate family). Where it is not clear that a vehicle falls into this category, copies of registration papers may be requested. Company vehicles should be excluded from this process.
45.Where claims are lodged for modifications, regard must be had to how the employee's condition results in “... any difficulties ... in gaining access to, driving or enjoying freedom and safety of movement in, a vehicle used by the employee” (section 39 (2) (c) refers).
46.In every situation where modifications relate to the employee as a driver, his or her capacity to drive will need to be evaluated prior to approval being made for vehicle modification (letter at Attachment A).
47.Referral to a Road Transport Authority accredited driving assessor or an Occupational Therapist with driving assessment accreditation will be necessary, for which a written report must be supplied.
48.This may either be arranged through the Case Manager or, where the employee was not considered capable of undertaking a rehabilitation program, directly with the driving assessor or therapist.
49.The report should be critically evaluated to ensure that what is being claimed relates to the compensable condition and complies with the requirements of section 39 (2) (c). Any associated costs should be paid under section 39.
50.Occupational Therapy professional associations in each State will be able to provide lists of locally accredited therapists.