The Ministry of Employment has revealed reasons for pending cases under the Workmen’s Compensation Act.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate in Parliament yesterday said that as at December 31, 2016, the Ministry had 2359 cases pending. He said this included 347 death cases and 2012 injury cases.

Mr Usamate said the five key players in the administration of the Workmen’s Compensation Act were the employers, workers, medical practitioners, the Employment Relations Tribunal and the Employment  Ministry.

“While the Ministry is tasked to investigate the injuries and deaths that occur and affect the workers, a professional opinion of the medical practitioner is vital to determine the outcome of any compensation case,” he said.

“Challenges faced by my Ministry to resolve the outstanding cases are the high mobility of workers and former workers.

“This results in the Ministry having great difficulties in locating these clients, despite the numerous media marketing approaches taken.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi