Types Of Compensation Under WICA

A work injury is a cause of concern for workers and employers. Some employees are exposed to minimal risks, while for others, especially those working with machinery and in harsh environments, the risks are more pronounced.

 

The types of compensation under WICA vary, depending on the injury and what the worker needs to recover. For example, workers get medical leave wages when they must spend days away from work to recover. It also covers lump sum compensation for temporary or permanent incapacitation and death.

 

Since WICA Singapore is compulsory for some workers, employers need to be aware of what the policies cover and what their workers are entitled to should they suffer injuries while performing their duties at work.

 

Medical Leave Wages

 

The risks of work injuries are multifaceted. For example, some workers may spend days, weeks, or even months in the hospital receiving treatment. Others may be asked to take medical rest, while some are given light duties to give their bodies time to recover.

 

WICA insurance ensures employers pay workers medical leave wages. However, it has some limits.

 

• When on light duties, the medical leave wages cover the shortfall between the average monthly earnings (AME) and the actual wages during this period. Employers are obligated to pay full AME until the 14th day. After that, the pay drops to ⅔ AME until a year after the accident.
• Employers pay the full AME for hospitalization leave for up to 60 days. After the 61st day, the amount falls to ⅔ of the AME.

 

If the employer pays more than the average monthly payment when the worker is on light duty, he is entitled to seek the difference from the insurer.

 

Former employees who were injured before they left the employer are also entitled to medical leave wages.

 

Medical Expenses

 

The other type of compensation under WICA Singapore is medical expenses. Whatever costs the worker incurs when seeking treatment after a work injury is covered under WICA. These include hospital bills, medication, and other expenses geared towards helping the worker recover.

 

However, like other claims under WICA insurance, there are limits. Under medical expenses, the employer is only mandated to pay medical expenses up to one year after the injury or to a limit of $45,000, whichever comes first.

 

Some of the medical expenses covered under this compensation include;

 

• Treatment fees.
• Ward fees.
• Consultation fees.
• Emergency transport fees, such as the use of an ambulance.
• Medcines.
• Surgical appliances.
• Artificial limbs.
• Dental charges.
• Treatments to facilitate early return to work. These include physiotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and occupational therapy.

 

Employees should know they can only make medical expense claims if the prescription and bills are under a Singapore-registered doctor or dentist.

 

Lump Sum Compensation

 

The families of employees who are permanently incapacitated are allowed to claim lump sum compensation under WICA insurance. Additionally, death due to a work-related injury should be compensated, and the lump sum payment should be made to the deceased’s family.

 

Temporary incapacitation refers to an employee who cannot perform his duties due to a work injury. He, too, is entitled to lump sum compensation.

 

The amount payable is calculated according to the employee’s average monthly earnings x age multiplying factor x % permanent incapacity.

 

Some employees go through all these compensation stages depending on the severity and progress of the injury. Fortunately, the process of requesting compensation has been simplified under WICA Singapore, so employees don’t need lawyers to plead their cases. They only need to file their case and request compensation which the employer is obligated to provide.