Deaths, injuries while performing work from home can now be compensated

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MANILA, Philippines — Disability and death of employees due to injuries suffered while working from home are now compensable under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP).

The governing board of the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) approved on March 11, Board Resolution No. 21-03-09, which creates a policy on the compensability of disability or death due to injuries suffered by employees in the public and private sector while working from home.

ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis noted that it was high time for the commission to issue the policy as several sectors have adopted a work-from-home arrangement to safeguard the health of their employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Employees who are working from home are not exempted from possible work-connected disabilities or deaths due to injury-related incidents,” she said in a statement.

“We need to extend our benefits to cover work-connected injury or death that they may suffer while in the performance of their duties or specific tasks at their residences or dwelling places,” she added.

Under the board resolution, disability or death of employees while working from home will be compensable, provided that there is a written directive or order from their employer requiring a work-from-home setup or the performance of specific tasks within a specified period at their residences.

Under the EC Program, workers who suffer from work-related sickness, injury, or death are entitled to benefits such as loss of income benefits, medical benefits, and death and funeral benefits.

Persons with work-related disabilities may also avail of rehabilitation services under the Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan Program, according to ECC. The rehabilitation services include free physical, speech, or occupational therapy, livelihood training and financial assistance.

“We hope with this new policy, we can provide more assistance to our workers and address their needs especially during this trying time,” said Banawis.

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