The Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji has made its first payment to a victim of an employment accident.

This is after the extension of the no fault compensation scheme to employment accidents pursuant to the Accident Compensation (Employment Accidents) Regulations 2018, which came into force from January 1, 2019.

The injured worker, Marika Nakanacagi, was trying to assemble solar panels with his team on a rooftop on January 31 this year when the incident occurred.

Mr Nakanacagi was standing on a ladder with a heavy solar panel supported by a co-worker holding the solar panel on another ladder.

He slipped from the ladder and fell from a height of three metres and suffered a fracture on his heel. He was not able to work for approximately eight weeks.

Upon receiving his application and all information, ACCF processed it in a timely manner and assessed his compensation in accordance with the Accident Compensation Act 2017 and Regulations.

When receiving his compensation in Suva yesterday, Mr Nakanacagi thanked the ACCF team and said he was not expecting such a quick turnaround and such a large amount.

Under the Accident Compensation (Employment Accidents) Regulations 2018 compensation is payable for injuries as a result of an accident arising out of and in the course of employment.

A worker is defined as any person who has entered into or works under a contract of service or apprenticeship with an employer.

Workers and employers are encouraged to take personal responsibility and all necessary steps to prevent employment accidents.

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