COMPENSATION FOR INJURED WORKERS

Dr Lee Tsao Yuan asked the Minister for Manpower what is the compensation that has been (or will be) given to the workers who were injured during the collapse of Compassvale Primary School, and whether there are regulations regarding the amount of compensation for injured foreign workers.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: My Ministry has received workmen's compensation accident reports for 7 workers injured during the Compassvale collapse and are processing their claims under the Workmen's Compensation Act. My officers are investigating into the 7th case where the employer has yet to report the accident.

All the workers injured in this case were construction workers. They are "workmen" and are entitled to compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act

The Workmen's Compensation Act treats local and foreign workers alike. Foreign workers enjoy equal protection and are entitled to the same compensation as local workers.

Out of the 7 foreign workers whose accident reports have been received, 3 suffered minor injuries. Their medical expenses would be borne by their employers and they would receive full wages for the period of medical leave. For the remaining cases where the injuries were more severe, my Ministry is awaiting the final medical reports to determine the extent of disability suffered by the workers. If the workers are confirmed to have suffered some disability, they would in addition, be entitled to lump sum payments for the permanent disability.

Where a worker is totally incapacitated, the minimum compensation payable under the Act is $49,000.00 and the maximum is $147,000.00. The amount of permanent incapacity compensation payable in each case will vary depending on the severity of the injury, the age of the worker and his average monthly earnings.