The Workmen's Compensation (Repeal) Act 2018 comes in effect from 1 January 2019 after the decision made by the Fijian Government on 12 July 2018.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and lndustrial Relations and Youth and Sports Hon. Parveen Kumar Bala highlighted that claims for injury and death arising out of and in the cause of employment until 31 December 2018 will continue to be facilitated by the Worker's Compensation Unit of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and lndustrial Relations.
The Hon. Employment Minister further stated that injuries and deaths that will occur from '1 January 201g onwards will be handled by the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF) under the “No Fault” System Scheme.
"However, the Accident Compensation (Employment Accidents) Regulation 2018 which comes into force on 1 January 2019, will require my Ministry to investigate compensation claims in relations to persons employed on ships and occupational diseases contracted to workers while in employment.
"My Ministry will also be required to process outstanding weekly wages for injured workers as well," said Employment Minister.
The Honourable Minister is urging all employers to report these cases to the Ministry and the Commission from 1 January 2019 within the prescribed timeframe as stated in the Regulations.
The Employment Minister further warned that fines could be imposed to employers for failure to report these cases.