We would like to draw your attention to the 2019 Work Injury compensation (WIC) Bill passed in Parliament on 03 September 2019. There are important changes and the full implementation of the legislation will take into effect on 01 September 2020.
However, due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker measures. MOM has agreed to defer the implementation of the insurer regulatory regime till 01 January 2021 to ensure a smoother transition.
This deferral does not affect employers’ existing obligations and employee protections under WICA.
A summary of the key changes and timeline is shown below:
| 01 Jan 2020 | Increase compensation and medical expenses limit:
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| 01 April 2020 | Expand mandatory insurance coverage:
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| 01 September 2020 |
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| 01 Jan 2021 |
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| 01 Apr 2021 |
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Under WICA 2019, only insurers designated by MOM, known as designated insurers, can issue WIC insurance policies and must comply with the compulsory terms set out by MOM.
For more details on the WICA changes, you may refer to the MOM website at:
https://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/work-injury-compensation/changes-to-wica-in-2020
From 01 September 2020, you should not get new project WIC policies.
There are WIC claims that are covered under multiple projects and it can lead to delays and disputes over who should compensate the inured employee or to reimburse the employer.
Details on obligations of the Employers, Main Contractors and Developers can be found in MOM website at:
https://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/work-injury-compensation/work-injury-compensation-insurance
If you have any enquiries, feel free to contact us.
