Workers hurt in bad weather may claim compensation - DOLE

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded workers that those who suffer job-related injuries or accidents due to bad weather may be entitled to benefits and support under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program of the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC).

ECC Executive Director Kaima Via Velasquez said EC coverage extends beyond the workplace, including certain accidents that occur while workers are traveling to and from work.

"Papunta sa trabaho at pauwi galing sa trabaho, covered na po ng Employees’ Compensation Program (Traveling to and from work is covered by the Employees’ Compensation Program)," Velasquez said.

She cited as an example a worker who slips on a wet road while on the way to work or falls into an open manhole.

"So ibig sabihin po, 'pag nag-aksidente sila dahil papasok sila sa trabaho, nadulas po sila dahil basa ang kalye, at nahulog po ang kanilang paa sa isang open manhole na covered ng EC," she said.

(So that means if they get into an accident while going to work—for example, if they slip because the road is wet or their foot falls into an open manhole—it is covered by the EC Program.)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier issued a directive to prioritize the welfare and protection of Filipino workers, as inclement weather continues to increase risks for workers across the country.

One of the key benefits available to qualified private-sector workers is income replacement.

"This financial assistance serves as a substitute salary for employees who are temporarily unable to report for duty due to job-related accidents or sickness, bridging the gap until they fully heal and resume their normal employment," DOLE said in a news release.

Workers may also receive medical reimbursement of up to 60% of treatment and consultation expenses. The ECC advised workers to keep official hospital and medical receipts needed to process their claims.

Private-sector employees may file EC claims through the Social Security System (SSS), while government workers may file through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Self-employed workers may submit their EC claims through the SSS app, while government employees seeking benefits may coordinate with their local GSIS office.

For accidents occurring outside the workplace, including those during daily commutes, claimants must provide valid documentation of the incident to the SSS or GSIS to establish their eligibility for EC benefits.

The ECC said workers may also seek assistance from its regional extension units or through its official online channels and website, ecc.gov.ph, for information on filing claims and available benefits.—LDF, GMA News