SPÖ-Silvan: Firefighters on duty must be insured from start to finish!

In yesterday’s Citizens Lawyer program, Ombudsman Bernhard Achitz spoke about the case of a 19-year-old firefighter who was 100% disabled after an accident prior to a fire service operation. However, this firefighter has not received any compensation from the General Accident Insurance, AUVA. Although it is always advertised that firefighters are fully insured while on duty. The result: the affected person loses out on better rehabilitation and the full disability pension. SPÖ Ombudsman spokesman Rudolf Silvan has no understanding of this: “The AUVA is behaving like a private insurance company, but it also has to represent public interests and should act here!” ****

Firefighters are actually insured while on duty, and the accidents are considered work-related accidents. 19-year-old Marlies K. was woken up by the siren, got dressed and wanted to go to the fire station, but fell down the stairs due to cardiac arrest. The AUVA considered this to be the result of a rare illness, not an accident, even though this was an exceptionally stressful situation.

Silvan expects the AUVA to be more flexible in interpreting the law. The Ministry of Social Affairs, as a supervisory authority, must also assume its responsibility. “It’s about securing the voluntary work that our society so urgently needs.” If necessary, we also have to think about legal changes. “Anyone who takes part in an assignment voluntarily and on a voluntary basis should not have to worry about safety at all.” (End) ah/ff