Although the process of work injury compensation under WICA is elaborate, with a chain of responsibilities, from the worker to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the employer carries the bulk of responsibilities. Besides the expectation that he will file the report with MOM, employers can be fined or jailed if they fail in their role of fulfilling an employee’s work injury compensation.
Under WICA, employers are responsible for filing the case regarding the workplace accident and the extent of the injury with MOM. The employer also needs to pay for the medical report, medical bills, and medical leave wages and determine the compensation amount. Employers also update the incident report.
MOM relies on the information it receives from the employer. It is only when there are discrepancies that MOM steps in to fine employers for misrepresenting the facts regarding the work-related injury.
Get An Accident Report
The employers’ immediate responsibility under WICA is to be aware of the accident, which is why employees are required to report the accident to the employer immediately. Before approaching MOM, employers should find out the nature of the accident, why it happened, and the extent of the injury.
Inform MOM Of The Incident
Filing a report with MOM is the next step. This critical step should be fulfilled within ten days after the accident. This gives employers time to assess the nature of the accident, the level of damage, and the type of compensation the worker needs.
MOM allows employers to change the incident report depending on the worker’s medical progress. For example, the report will be updated if it is revealed that the worker is permanently incapacitated.
Pay Medical Bills And Medical Leave Wages
The last thing a worker needs is stress about his medical bills. WICA insurance usually comes through with the compensation, but it sometimes takes a few months. The employer is expected to step in and cover the medical expenses and pay medical leave wages.
This cushions the employee, allowing him to focus on recovery instead of being stressed over the cost of treatment.
If the employee has paid the hospital bills, the employer must reimburse them within 14 days of receiving the original bills.
Confirm The Medical Report Is From A Registered Doctor
One of the documents that MOM will use to authenticate the claim is the medical report. However, it has to be from a registered doctor or dentist. This is very critical because MOM only processes claims when the report is from a registered doctor.
Besides the doctor’s authenticity, the employer should confirm that;
- Confirm that the medical report is from the same hospital where the employee receives treatment.
- The employee receives all the care that guarantees their quick return to good health.
The employer is at the center of the compensation process under WICA Singapore. MOM expects the employer to communicate the compensation the employee should expect as soon as the information is relayed.
This way, the employee can decide whether the compensation is sufficient. If it is not, the employee can take back the compensation claim and move to file a suit under common law. If the employer believes the injury was not work-related, MOM has a provision for this. MOM will halt the compensation process if the employer’s claims are valid.
