Four workers have been prosecuted this year for making fraudulent claims under the Workmen's Compensation Act (WCA).
They were sentenced to jail terms ranging from four to six weeks for trying to claim work injury compensation though they were not injured in the course of work, said the Ministry of Manpower today.
The Manpower Ministry said it has stepped up enforcement to deter abuse of the WCA. Under the act, workers are eligible for compensation for work-related injuries. Those who submit false claims may be punished with prosecution, however, while those who have abetted in the offence by intentional aid, instigation or conspiracy will also face the same punishment as the worker.
Anyone who is convicted faces a maximum fine of $2000 and/or up to 3 months' jail for each charge.
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The cases
First case
On Oct 24, 2005, a construction worker submitted a workmen's compensation claim through his employer, an electrical engineering works company. He reportedly injured his left knee on Sept 28, 2005, when he fell down a staircase while working at a construction site.
Investigations revealed that the medical evidence was inconsistent with the worker's account of the alleged accident. Evidence from a co-worker also established that the worker had fabricated the alleged accident.
He pleaded guilty to two charges of giving false information and was sentenced to 4 weeks in jail on Jan 9, 2007.
Second case
On April 4, 2005, a marine worker lodged a workmen's compensation claim with MOM for an injury sustained during work on 2 September 2004. He claimed that he injured his right hand and wrist when he fell from a staging while using a hydro jet to wash the sides of a vessel.
Investigations revealed that the worker was injured after falling off a bicycle when outside the worksite and not during the course of work. He was sentenced to 5 weeks' jail.
Third case
On Sept 18, 2006, a construction worker lodged a workmen's compensation claim with MOM through his lawyer, claiming injury sustained on Oct 3, 2005 while working at a house renovation project. According to the accident report, he fell off a ladder when he was standing on the ladder to fix glass panels to the roof. He claimed that he lost his balance as the ladder was wobbly.
Investigations revealed that the worker had fabricated the alleged accident. Evidence from the employer and a co-worker showed the worker was not even at work on the day of the alleged accident.
He was sentenced to four weeks in jail.
Fourth case
On Oct 12, 2006, a construction worker lodged a workmen's compensation claim with MOM through his lawyer claiming that he was injured on Oct 7, 2006 while alighting from his lorry outside his quarters after work. The worker claimed that he slipped and fell onto the road, injuring the back of his head, upper left shoulder and lower left leg.
Investigations revealed that the worker's injuries were in fact suffered in the course of a fight with his co-worker and not due to an accidental slip while alighting from the company lorry. He was given six weeks of jail.