Workmen's compensation payout is provided to workers who are injured during and in the course of employment and to dependents for deceased workers whose deaths are related to employment.
This was clarified by the Minister for Employment Jone Usamate after receiving queries from a member of the public in Labasa while holding public consultations in the Northern Division.
Usamate says for an injured worker to qualify for workmen's compensation, he or she has to be on work related sick leave for 3 or more consecutive days to qualify for compensation.
He says under the Workmen's Compensation Act the injury is to be reported within 14 days and death cases within 7 days upon the employer having knowledge of the accident and death.
Usamate adds that all compensation cases received are to be processed within a 6 year processing timeframe.
He says the injured worker is entitled to a maximum of 260 weeks which is equivalent to 5 years of continuous sick leave and the employer is required to pay two‑third weekly wages.
The Minister says that in cases where the worker is an inpatient worker, the employer is obliged to pay two‑third wages and the continuation of two‑third wage payment will depend on the production of sick sheet.
