By Brian Campued
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday reminded workers that those who suffer job-related injuries amid bad weather may avail of benefits and support services under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) program.
Created under Presidential Decree No. 626 in 1974, the EC program provides financial, medical, and rehabilitation benefits to public and private-sector employees and/or their dependents, as well as self-employed workers, in the event of work-related sickness, injury, disability, or death.
In a DOLE news release, Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) Executive Director Atty. Kaima Via Velasquez said that the compensation program extends beyond the workplace, noting that certain accidents that occur while workers are traveling to and from work may also be covered.
“Papunta sa trabaho at pauwi galing sa trabaho, covered na po ng Employees’ Compensation Program,” Velasquez said, citing as an example a worker who slips on a wet road while on the way to work or falls into an open manhole.
According to the ECC, qualified private-sector employees may avail of income replacement, a form of financial assistance that serves as a substitute salary for workers who are temporarily unable to report for duty due to job-related accidents or sickness.
Employees may also receive medical reimbursement of up to 60% of treatment and consultation expenses, provided that they present necessary hospital and medical receipts when processing their claims.
Private-sector employees may file EC claims through the Social Security System (SSS), while government workers seeking benefits may coordinate with their local Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) office.
Self-employed workers, on the other hand, must submit their EC claims themselves through the SSS app.
Meanwhile, those who sustained injuries off-site or during commute have to submit valid documentation of the incident to the SSS or GSIS to establish their eligibility for benefits.
DOLE earlier issued an advisory stating that private-sector workers who refuse or fail to report for work because of adverse weather conditions and similar events should not be subjected to any administrative sanctions.
The reiteration of the EC program and the updated advisory on the suspension of work in the private sector during weather disturbances form part of the Marcos Jr. administration’s continuing efforts to prioritize the welfare and protection of Filipino workers, especially during emergencies and other disruptive events.
-jpv
