With the evolving workplace rules and conditions, accidents at the workplace are inevitable. The work injury compensation act is like a safeguard that the Singaporean government offers to all employees covering all kinds of workplace injuries.
The program is managed by the MOM, i.e., Ministry of Manpower and offers a structured approach to ensure that all employees get timely compensation in return for the injury. The MOM works on the principle of ensuring commitment of the country towards its employees, and also enhances the level of the employer’s commitment to the company.
WICA is Alternate to the Civil Litigation
The no-fault nature of the WICA insurance is the first and the biggest advantage of this program. Considering the strict clause of the traditional mode of litigation, where the third party has to provide proof to the incident, WICA insurance only asks from the employee to show that the injury or the loss has been incurred from the workplace environment.
It reduces the time, stress and mental tension from engaging in any legal formalities when filing for the reimbursement. The claim is availed regardless of any race, education, socio economic condition.
The Coverage Range of the Policy
In light of the law of contract or apprenticeship, WICA in Singapore covers all employees in its umbrella. It not only includes local workers, even foreign workers working within the ambit of WICA are also covered in the policy.
In some companies, insurance only covers the high risk job, but WICA provides coverage to both manual and non-manual workers. In case of work outside Singapore, if assigned by the employer, the coverage is provided. So it doesn’t matter if one is working outside the border, if the work is covered within the WICA rules, it is easily managed.
Timely Compensation
The pattern of the compensation by WICA is such that employees get the claim as soon as possible. In case of any injury, one need not run after getting proof or medical certificates for applying for the reimbursement, only the claim of injury at the workplace is enough to ask for the claim. Thus, timely and accurate compensation is what makes the WICA a preferred choice for many.
In line of range of compensation covered under WICA, key provisions are:
The Medical Leave Wage
The wage is complete in case of injury and during 60 days of hospitalisation.
The Medical Expenses
In the list of medical expenses, rehabilitation and treatment is covered.
Lump Sum Payments
In case of in-service death or incapacitate, the wage is calculated on the basis of age of the employee and the level of injury
Peace of Mind
For ensuring complete financial coverage, work injury compensation insurance makes sure that employers get the insurance well before time and in a regular manner. It is made mandatory for both manual and non manual workers. At times, for higher wage holders, the option of insurance becomes optional, still MOM makes sure that they also avail this option to get peace of mind.
This not only mitigates the financial burden on employees in case of any medical emergency, it also ensures that employees are well taken care of during work and get the required peace of mind.
