Workers' Compensation Paid Promptly

Chronicle (Levin), 28 May 1949, Page 6

Workers' Compensation Paid Promptly

WELLINGTON, May 27. Paymeuts of Workers' Compensation had been made promptly since the . State took over this class of insurance,'and there is no more delay than was the case with private companies.. This was emphasised by the Minister in charge of State Eire Insurance (Mr Mason) to-day when replying to recent criticism. Taking Wellington alone as an example, in seven weeks up to May 20 no fewer than 527 claims were iodged. Of these full compensation payments have been made to &6 of the in- j jured people who had now resumed: work, 402 are still receiving payments,: and the balance are under aetion. "The State Fire Insurance Office has. even met claims on which premiums had; not been paid. Although a number of : employers have not yet submitted their; declaration, . of wages they, are covered: for liability under the Act, and in se.-; veral instances compensation paymentS' have been made in such eircumstances.; Criticism had also been made that, there is no policy issued, said the Min ister. Under the Act every employer tx-; cept those speeially exempted is indem-. nified by the State Fire Insu?-ance Of-: fiee aga'inst liability to pay compensa-' tion under the Workers' Compensatioa; Act for death or personal injury i A?i full cover is therefore auto'matically given on uniform conditions it is ua " necessary to issue a separate contraej to every empioyer. The official cash re ceipt of the State Fire Insurance Office together with the assessnient and pre mium constitute a certificate of insurance. The process is the same as undei the Motor-Vehicles Insurance (Thii'u arty Risks) Act 1928 and the Eartli ciuake and War Damage Act where no policy is issued.