Gov’t proposes Amendment of Workers Compensation Act
Frank Semata 
Government through the ministry of Gender, Labour and social development is proposing principles for the amendment of the Workers Compensation Act Cap 225.
This was enacted on 15th September 2000 with the sole purpose to provide for procedures for management of injuries and compensation for injuries arising in the course of employment.
The Act provides for among others;
- Treatment and provision of medical aid to the injured workers
- Compensation for the losses of earning capacity from an injury or scheduled disease suffered or contracted during the course of employment.
- Notification of accidents which should be made to the labour officers
- Payment of compensation to dependants of deceased workers who die in the course of employment
Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations Col. Rtd Okello Engola says the proposal to amend the workers compensation Act Cap 225 arises from the need to address gaps and delays that affect implementation of the Act.
“It is aimed at streamlining matters related to assessment, compensation and enforcement of awards to workers for injuries suffered and scheduled diseases incurred during the course of their employment among others.” Engola noted
“Failure to address the issues affecting effective management of the processes for compensation of workers for the injuries incurred in the course of employment, will mean that the country will continue to suffer; rising costs of litigations, increased labour complaints and disputes, increased occupational injuries, diseases and deaths and reduced quality of work and low labour productivity.” He added.
He also said that, “The Act if amended will improve the assessment, compensation and enforcement of awards to workers for injuries suffered during the course of their employment.”
The proposed principles for amendment of the workers compensation Act Cap 225 were approved by cabinet on 23rd January 2022 and awaiting instructions for drafting of the bill. Once the bill has been finalized, it will be presented to Cabinet for approval before it is sent to Parliament for debate.
