Luke Rawalai
12 April, 2021, 11:00 pm
The ACCF has received a total of 384 cases and 168
applications on school accidents resulting in injuries. Picture: FILE
THE Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) has received a total of 384 cases and 168 applications on school accidents resulting in injuries.
This has prompted a call from executive officer Parvez Akbar to address all forms of bullying.
He said these included physical, verbal and cyber bullying, irrespective of where it took place, including schools and workplaces. Mr Akbar said 28 applications amounting to $181,500 were paid out for serious injuries.
“Of these, seven applications amounting to $36,000 has been paid for injuries as a result of assault to pupils in schools,” he said.
Luke Rawalai
6 April, 2021, 5:00 pm
Accident Compensation Commission, Fiji CEO Parvez Akbar speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the Land Transport Authority office in Valelevu, Nasinu. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
Schools are legally obliged to report any injury or death to the Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) and the Education Ministry.
This, according to ACCF chief executive officer Parvez Akbar. He made the comment in light of reports of bullying and assault of students in schools.
Mr Akbar said as outlined in the Accident Compensation (School Accidents) Regulations 2018, if a pupil suffers any personal injury or dies as a result of a school accident, the school must report the injury or death to ACCF and the Education Ministry.
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Jale Daucakacaka
ACCF chief executive officer Parvez Akbar. Picture: FT FILE
More than $17 million has been paid in compensation to accident victims since January 1, 2018 while $2.78m was paid for employment accidents.
This, according to Accident Compensation Commission Fiji CEO, Parvez Akbar.
“The process for applying for compensation is far simpler with ACCF compared to the old law and the amount of compensation paid is higher,” he said during an awareness session at the Fiji Trades Union Congress council meeting.
“More workers have access to compensation now than ever before,” he said.
The awareness session covered the rights, entitlements and obligations under the Accidents Compensation Act 2017.