ASSISTANCE TO INJURED WORKERS

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon asked the Minister for Labour whether he is aware of the plight of workers who, though having been compensated for industrial accidents, are still unable to work; and if he will review the Workmen's Compensation Act with a view to assisting these workers.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Mr Speaker, Sir, a small number of workers who receive compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act are totally incapacitated. The vast majority suffer from minor injuries and are able to return to work.

Injured workers who have difficulty in finding work can register with the Ministry's Employment Service Department. The Workmen's Compensation Department also calls up those who are more severely injured and who may need assistance in seeking employment. Past experience has found very few such injured workers needing assistance. In 1987, in fact, none asked for assistance to seek employment.

The Workmen's Compensation Act was last reviewed in 1980. My Ministry is conducting another review to assess whether compensation provided for under the Act is adequate and whether changes need to be made to the Act.