This information sheet provides the criteria for the inclusion of overtime and shift allowances in the calculation of a worker's pre-injury average weekly earnings.

The Accident Compensation Act 1985 provides for the inclusion of regular onvertime and shift allowances into the calculation of Pre-Injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE)

Payments for overtime are to be included in the calculation of the worker's PIAWE if:

•  the worker worked paid overtime during the relevant period
• it is likely that the worker would have worked paid overtime at any time in the 26 weeks after the incapacity, but for the injury.

Payments for shift work are to be included in the calculation of the worker's PIAWE if:

• the worker worked shift work that attracted a shift allowance during the relevant period and
• it is likely tha the worker would have worked shift work that attracted a shift allowance at any time in the 26 weeks after the incapacity, but for the injury.

NOTE: From 1 February 2004, shift allowance includes amount paid for weekend work, and includes allowances that were paid, or payable, for weekend work.

After the first 26 weeks, weekly payments of compensation will not include overtime or shift allowances; PIAWE is then based upon ordinary time earnings.

 For further information contact Geoff Lewin at the CPSU on (03) 9639 1822

GEOFF LEWIN
CPSU WorkCover Services Officer