FIRST ACCF PAYOUT FOR WORKPLACE DEATH

The Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF) has made its first payment to the partner of the victim of an employment accident, which resulted in the victim’s death.

This is the first such payment since the extension of the nofault compensation scheme to employment accidents pursuant to the Accident Compensation (Employment Accidents) Regulations 2018, which came into force on January 1, 2019. The worker was found dead at his work site in the morning of February 4, 2019.

He was employed as a security officer and was found dead by a co-worker. He was on night shift duty at the EFL Deuba Power Station when he died.

It is alleged that the worker was murdered while on duty.

Upon receiving the application from his partner with all relevant information, ACCF processed it in a timely manner and assessed his compensation in accordance with the Accident Compensation Act 2017 and Regulations.

After receiving her compensation, the deceased worker’s partner was grateful to ACCF for helping a family out in their time of need. She thanked ACCF for their efficient and quick turnaround time.

ACCF chief executive officer Parvez Akbar said this was a good example of an applicant receiving compensation without having to prove fault and avoiding long protracted legal proceedings. Under the Accident Compensation (Employment Accidents) Regulations 2018, compensation is payable for injuries or death as a result of an accident arising out of and in the course of employment.

A worker is defined as any person who has entered into or works under a contract of service or apprenticeship with an employer.