Got hurt because of bad weather? Workers may qualify for government aid

National

A SLIP on a rain-soaked street or a misstep into an open manhole could qualify as a compensable workplace-related accident, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).

The department said Friday that workers injured in weather-related incidents may be entitled to financial and medical assistance under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program of the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC).

One benefit is income replacement, which Dole said serves as a substitute salary for employees temporarily unable to report for work because of job-related accidents or sickness, allowing them time to recover before returning to their jobs.

ECC Executive Director Kaima Via Velasquez said the EC Program covers workers traveling to and from work, including those who suffer accidents because of weather-related hazards during their commute.

“Going to work and coming home from work is already covered by the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program. So that means, if they get into an accident while heading to work, like slipping because the street is wet, or their foot falls into an open manhole, this is covered by EC,”

Velasquez said in an Inquirer.net report.

Workers who sustain job-related injuries may also receive medical reimbursements covering up to 60 percent of treatment and doctor consultation expenses, Dole said.

Private-sector employees should submit their hospital and medical receipts and file claims through the Social Security System (SSS), while government workers should file through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

For accidents occurring off-site or during a worker’s daily commute, employees must provide valid documentation of the incident to the SSS or GSIS to establish their eligibility for benefits, Dole said.

Dole also reiterated an earlier advisory stating that employees who refuse or fail to report for work because of adverse weather conditions and similar events should not face administrative sanctions.

The department said employees must render at least six hours of work to qualify for the full amount of their regular pay.

Employers may also provide additional incentives or benefits to workers who report for duty during adverse weather conditions to help ease their burden, Dole said.(MyTVCebu)