GIA boss makes case for workmen’s compensation insurance

By Patrick PAINTSIL

President of the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA) Mr. Kwame Gazo-Agbenyadzie has called on government to make the workmen’s compensation insurance policy compulsory in order to provide relief for workers in times of disaster and other hazardous occupational occurrences.

The call comes amidst the recent spate of disasters wherein workers of the country are met with unexpected tragedies with no insurance to support the victims.

In an interview with B&FT, the GIA boss said the association holds the view that workmen’s compensation insurance must be made to bind employers so as to ensure timely and adequate intervention for workers in times of distress.

“Most employers in the country do not have insurance policies in place to provide immediate assistance to victimised staff, but only turn to insurers for support when the unexpected happens.”

This phenomenon can either be attributed to the ignorance of some employers regarding the existence of a mandatory requirement to secure the safety of workers in the workplace, or irresponsibility on the part of others who wish to take advantage of the lack of a binding law to enforce strict adherence to the policy.

“Most employers also do not pay due to financial constraints, which then leaves victimised workers destitute and a burden on their families,” he said.

The Workmen’s Compensation Insurance Act of 1987 mandates every employer in the country to provide compensation to any employee who sustains personal injuries by accident in the course of work.

It also, among others, binds the employer to foot medical expenses based on the compensation payable after it has been decided by the labour office.

Mr. Gazo-Agbenyadzie said as insurers, their priority is to offer protection to life and property -- and called on government to revisit the policy which seeks to offer better working conditions for workers in the country while providing better alternatives for employers.

“Payment on a small amount of premium will confer such compensations onto the insurance companies to offer support to affected workers on behalf of the company.

This secures the workers at all times while covering the employer against liabilities to staff as defined in the Act.”

He said the policy is not restricted to the public-private sector only, but is open to any employer in the informal sector as workers will be motivated to give their best under a secured environment.
“Every employer is mandated to provide security to his/her employee.

A houseowner can purchase the policy for his driver or servants, and so it is with other informal sectors of the economy.”

 

By so doing, the country will be making a giant step toward enhancing the security and safety of workers in general.

“In some countries like the UK and close neighbour Nigeria, the workmen’s compensation insurance is compulsory. Employers have to display the certificate at their offices for the appropriate authorities to inspect periodically,” he told B&FT.

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