Partner of deceased receives compensation
THE Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF) has made its first payment to the partner of the victim of an employment accident which had resulted in the victim’s death.
ACCF chief executive officer Parvez Akbar said this was done since the extension of the no fault compensation scheme to employment accidents pursuant to the Accident Compensation (Employment Accidents) Regulations 2018 which came into force from January 1, 2019.
According to Mr Akbar, the deceased worker was found dead at his work site on February 4 this year.
“He was employed as a security officer and his body was discovered by a co-worker. He was on his night shift duty at the Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) Deuba Power Station.
“It is alleged that the deceased 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.”
Mr Akbar said after receiving the compensation, the deceased worker’s partner was grateful to ACCF for helping a family out in their time of need.
She also thanked ACCF for their efficient and quick turnaround time.
Mr Akbar added 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.”
He further recommended that all security companies were to provide adequate training to staff members and ensure key risks to security officers were identified and addressed.