Over 2200 death cases reported to Labour Ministry

There have been more than 2,200 death cases in Fiji, over the past 15 years, as reported to the Ministry of Labour.

This was revealed during the observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2013 by Minister of Labour Jone Usamate.

Of the number of death cases only 274 were found to be work related and $6.5 million compensation was paid out accordingly.

There have also been 13,465 injuries claimed, of which 3,372, or 25.4%, were found to be compensable, and an amount of $4.7 million paid out in compensation.

From 2000 to 2011 there were only 8 cases of occupational diseases that came out of the workman's compensation cases.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment will soon complete work on the Workmen's Compensation Act, under the new proposed draft Workcare Decree (covering OHS and Workers Compensation).

Story by: Rusiate Baleilevuka