Give details on staff’s death

 EMPLOYERS have been reminded to inform the Office of Workers Compensation immediately of the death of a worker.

Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations director Dessie Pasmaleng reminded employers of their rights and the rights of workers under the Workers’ Compensation Act during a workshop held last week.

Pasmaleng told employers that it was their responsibility to give notice of an injury or death within one day of it happening.

“Where the employer had no immediate knowledge of the death or injury, a notice must be given to the Registrar of the Office of Workers’ Compensation within seven days after the occurrence of the injury or death,” Pasmaleng said.

“If an employer pays the medical and surgical treatment cost for the worker, it should not be deducted from the worker’s wages. Employers must be aware that they are not eligible under the Workers’ Compensation Act to become self-insurers except for State and statutory authorities.

“All workers are entitled by law to be informed of the name and address of their insurance company from which the employer has obtained a policy of insurance or indemnity.

“To be eligible for compensation, workers or their dependents must lodge their claim within 12 months after the occurrence date of the injury or death.”