Schools Legally Required To Report Injuries, Commission Confirms
If the controlling authority of a school fails to report any personal injury or death without reasonable cause, then the Permanent Secretary or an authorised officer must issue the controlling authority of the school with a demand notice to obtain documents or information.
Tuesday 30 March 2021 | 18:37
Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) chief executive officer Parvez Akbar.
The Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) is reminding schools that they are legally obliged to report any personal injury or death as a result of a school accident.
This is after reports of alleged bullying and assault of students in schools. The commission’s chief executive officer Parvez Akbar said pursuant to the Accident Compensation (School Accidents) Regulations 2018 (the Regulations), if a pupil suffers any personal injury or dies as a result of a school accident, the controlling authority of the school must report the injury or death to ACCF the Permanent Secretary responsible for Education as follows using the ACCF Form 01:
Personal injury – must be reported within 14 days from the date of becoming aware of the school accident and injury.
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Death – must be reported within 7 days from the date of becoming aware of the school accident and death.
If the controlling authority of a school fails to report any personal injury or death without reasonable cause, then the Permanent Secretary or an authorised officer must issue the controlling authority of the school with a demand notice to obtain documents or information.
If the demand notice is not complied with then the controlling authority of the school commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Additionally, a Fixed Penalty of a $1000 may be imposed on the controlling authority of the school.
Under the Regulations compensation is payable for injuries or death due to an accident occurring on any school premises, or during a school event or activity.
A pupil includes a person of any age for whom education is provided under the provisions of the Education Act 1966, and any person enrolled on any school register.
Teachers and pupils are encouraged to take personal responsibility and all necessary steps to prevent school accidents. Parents and legal guardians should also educate their children about safety in school.
For enquiries regarding compensation for school accidents, ACCF can be contacted on 3235990/ 7009003 and accfclaims@veritas.com.fj
