The manual ‘Fiji Workcare Guides for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment” will give comfort in the assessment of Workers’ Compensation cases.

The problem of backlog of cases will also be addressed.

The Ministry has recorded a total of 2092 backlog of cases up to June this year.

Out of this number, 304 accounted for deaths and 1,788 accounted for injuries.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate  said the backlog would require dedication by all parties.

He said the backlog must be fixed and addressed.

“Senior Ministry officials are to take note of this. We cannot delay providing assistance to our people, so the backlog must be fixed.”

Mr Usamate also told medical doctors present at the training that earlier this year, Parliament approved those assessors who have completed and are competent in the training.

The Training is part of the overall Workmen’s Compensation Reform, the last component of the Labor Reforms, which the Ministry started from the early 1990’s and to be completed soon.

“I intend to pursue and see that the reform in workers’ compensation is completed to truly make a difference in the lives of the people who need this compensation,” Mr Usamate said.

“Fijians need all our concerted effort to move forward and the new knowledge acquired today will minimize the disparities in disputed backlog cases and maximizing the capacity of effectively settling cases and efficiently calculating compensation amount.”

He said the Workers’ Compensation has a significant impact on the lives of the working population and their dependents.

The challenge was to make sure that the system that is used is fit for purpose and is effective and efficient.

The training is being conducted by Dr Dwight Dowda an Occupational Medicine Specialist who has been engaged by the Ministry since 2006.

Dr Dwoda has helped Fiji to adopt international standards in this field.

He has already trained 218 medical assessors from 2010-2016.