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First Employment Payout

Friday, July 12, 2019
Article First Employment Payout

The Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji has made its first payment to a victim of an employment accident 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 01st January 2019.

The injured worker, Marika Nakanacagi, on 31st January 2019, was trying to assemble solar panels with his team onto a rooftop when the accident occurred. Mr Nakanacagi was standing on a ladder with a heavy solar panel supported by a co worker holding the solar panel on another ladder. Mr Nakanacagi slipped from the ladder and fell from a height of three meters and suffered a fracture on his heel. He was not able to work for approximately eight weeks. Upon receiving his application and all relevant information, ACCF processed it in a timely manner and assessed his compensation in accordance with the Accident Compensation Act 2017 and Regulations. When receiving his compensation Mr Nakanacagi thanked the ACCF team and said he was not expecting such a quick turn around and such a large amount.

Under the Accident Compensation (Employment Accidents) Regulations 2018 compensation is payable for injuries 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.

Workers and employers are encouraged to take personal responsibility and all necessary steps to prevent employment accidents.

For enquiries regarding compensation for employment accidents, ACCF can be contacted on 3235990 and www.accf.com.fj

ACCF offers the following safety tips when using a ladder:

  • Don’t overload
  • Don’t overreach
  • Carry tools on a belt
  • Stop at the third step from the top of a straight ladder
  • Ensure the ladder is in a good condition
  • Keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times