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DIRECTORY OF SINGAPORE PROCESS & CHEMICALS INDUSTRIES 2021/2022
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS |
“Bringing members closer to Share, Learn and Grow Together”
Knowledge, Education, Experience & Networking (KEEN)
WORK INJURY COMPENSATION ACT & HANDLING INSURANCE CLAIMS
In light of the increased safety concerns during COVID-19, the Association partnered with Mr David Shanmugam, Counsel of Netto & Magin LCC, and Ms Pamela Koh, Financial Service Consultant at AIA, to present a webinar for ASPRI members on 21 May 2021. The webinar covered the updated Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) and provided details on the liabilities of an employer.
In the first part of the webinar, Mr Shanmugam explained that the WICA lets employees make claims for work-related injuries or diseases without having to file a civil suit under common law. It is a low-cost and quicker alternative to common law for settling compensation claims.
He pointed out that employees who sustained injuries or contracted occupational diseases arising out of their work, or the estates of employees who died in a work- related accident, are entitled to claim work injury compensation. The WICA covers all
employees engaged under a contract of service or apprenticeship, regardless of their salary.
An employee can make a claim under the WICA for personal injuries by accident arising out of and in the course of his employment, during working hours or while on official duties. WICA covers accidents that happen while travelling to and from the workplace in company-provided transport (not by public transport), and injuries sustained abroad while on overseas assignments.
Mr Shanmugam revealed that employees can claim medical expenses (including consultation), hospitalisation fees, treatment and surgery fees, artificial limbs and surgical appliances, compensation for permanent incapacity or death and loss of earnings while on medical leave.
However, WICA does not provide cover for self-employed people, independent contractors, domestic workers, members of the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Central Narcotics Bureau, and the Singapore Prison Service.
In the second part of the webinar, Ms Koh spoke on the WICA from the perspective of an employer. The Act also covers the insured employer against any legal liability.
She emphasised that all employers are required to provide compensation to any employee or his dependants. Failure to do so constitutes an offence punishable by a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months. Ms Koh then went through the claims procedure step-by-step and shared some case studies with the attendees.
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