The Jockeys Injury Notification Procedure sets out a clear step by step procedure for contacting a jockey’s Next of Kin and providing further support should a jockey be taken to a hospital.
Raceday Injuries
Jockeys who suffer an injury at a racecourse on a raceday will be seen by the NSW Ambulance paramedics or an on-course doctor if one is on duty. The paramedic will advise stewards on details of the injury, and stewards will contact Racing NSW, who will reach out to the Next of Kin and advise of the early assessment of injuries.
How it works:
- The NSWJA is notified approximately 20 minutes after the incident by email.
- The NSWJA will contact the jockey or the NOK depending on the seriousness of the injury, and accessibility to the injured jockey.
- From that point onwards, almost all communication is between the injured jockey, the NSWJA and Gallagher Bassett (administer the Workers Comp claims).
- It is vital that the injured jockey has the best medical attention possible, and we encourage the injured jockey (or NOK) to reach out to Dr Duckworth. In some cases Dr Duckworth has already contacted the NOK.
Keep in mind:
- The same process follows for trackwork and trial injuries.
- If you are injured at work, you will be covered by the NSW Workers Compensation Act.
- Applying for workers compensation can be daunting.
- It’s a step by step process, and if followed it should all run fairly smoothly.
- For workers compensation purposes Racing NSW is your employer. They have outsourced the administration of workers compensation to Gallagher Bassett.
The very first step is to send the Injury claim form, which can be found on the forms page here.
Within one business day you will receive a claims manager and a claim number. The number is important. All costs are claimed on that number. Some doctors will not see you unless you have that claim number.
Send the completed form to racingnsw@gbtpa.com.au (Gallagher Bassett are our Work Comp claims managers).
The NSWJA + Injury Management
How we can help
- The NSWJA provides immediate assistance on jockeys securing the best medical attention when a jockey is injured.
- We provide instant financial support, if required, to the family of a seriously injured jockey.
- We communicate with the family of all injured jockeys, providing compassion, empathy and advice.
- The NSWJA Assists with workers compensation claims, including liaising with jockeys daily, ensuring they are remunerated correctly.
- Our team provides assistance with matters arising from workers compensation claims, during work and post-career.
- We also offer support and assistance to former riders, particularly those who have suffered significant life-changing injuries.
Concussion Management
Unlike other states, NSW does not have an automatic stand down period when you have a concussion.
The process to return to work is:
- Obtain a full clearance from your GP.
- Contact your local steward and organise a cognitive test.
The process to get a replacement helmet:
- Obtain a replacement helmet through workers comp.
- Once you receive your claim number contact Markeys for replacement.
- Hand your damaged helmet to stewards.
Each year jockeys will undertake a baseline cognitive test prior to having their licence renewed.