$494,000 handed over to families, individuals
Atotal of $ 494,000 in compensation was paid out to 24 cases of injury and deaths, in the workplace.
In a handover ceremony yesterday, Prime Minister Voreqe
Bainimarama said in the past five years Government had paid out approximately $8.75 million in compensation to the workers and dependents of Government workers.
He said for this financial year, Government allocated $1.2 million in compensation payments to injured workers and dependents of deceased workers whose deaths were directly related to their employment.
“I know that no amount of money can truly compensate you for the suffering you endured, for the loss of a loved one or for the disability you will now carry for the rest of your life. For this, you have my deepest personal sympathy,” he said.
“It is my hope that these payments will help you as you go forward and build new lives, and that the funds will help sustain you and allow you to live with dignity and hope. Strong people endure and carry on.”
He urged employers to do their part in ensuring working conditions for their employees.
“The employers have the greater responsibility, but the workers must do their part by working safely, by not cutting corners, and by speaking up whenever there are unsafe conditions,” he said.
“I hope that I will not have to give out any more compensation cheques because we have no one to compensate. “That would be a year without injury or death on the job. It may seem impossible, but it is what we must strive for.” safe