SOCSO Contributors are Covered for WFH Accidents
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The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has confirmed that it covers contributors for work-related accidents even if the accident happens in their homes. Socso made the statement after allegations that the organisation does not cover work-from-home (WFH) accidents.
Socso chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed stated that the agency extended the accident coverage to include WFH incidents in response to the extraordinary events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Online rumours speculated that Socso's coverage only includes work accidents at the employment site and does not include WFH employees. Employees from various sectors have had to work remotely since last year to comply with government measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Mohammed Azman said that Socso provides coverage under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 if accidents happen out and in the course of employment to employees who work from home, as their employers have instructed. He also said that Socso's coverage extension to WFH employees is in line with the new normal following the pandemic.
He also explained that the compensation claims procedure for WFH accidents is the same for regular work accidents.
For both, the claimant must submit the Accident Report and Claim Form along with the required supporting documents to the local Socso office. Those who live in MCO or CMCO states can place the application form inside the dropbox at Socso offices.
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Those who work from home are still covered under Socso.
He said that it is a standard practice for Socso to verify all claims, including WFH employees.
According to Socso's website, its protection enables any worker suffering a work-related or commuting accident to receive free medical treatment at panel clinics, government clinics and government hospitals. Mohammed Azman added that those with questions regarding work policies should direct them to the Labour Department who has jurisdiction over such issues.
Even though both the Labour Department and Socso are under the Human Resources Ministry, Mohammed Azman clarified that Socso was mainly responsible for providing a social safety net to employees against work-related accidents, deaths, occupational diseases, and job loss.
Possible increment in Socso contribution
The Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said that employers and employees might need to contribute between RM1 and RM2 more a month towards Socso to widen the social safety net for employees.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed those in the B40 group to higher social risks even though more Malaysians turn to self-employment or informal sectors. For that reason, the Human Resources Ministry considered increasing the Socso contribution.
Saravanan said that the contribution might increase between RM1 or RM2. He gave an example that there's a higher cost in the informal sector because of higher risks. He said that the ministry is still studying the matter and will decide in due time.
According to the minister, the last time Socso adjusted its contributions was in 1971.
He said that there is a higher demand from all sectors, and the people are becoming more aware of Socso's protection benefits. He said that the ministry wants to widen the safety net and increase the contribution in a way that will not burden the people.
Saravanan said that the pandemic had shown Socso's importance in providing social safety net protection for formal and informal workers. He added that the ministry aims to turn Socso into a household name associated with a broader safety net for every sector.
Socso had provided benefits to 2.72 million workers and approximately 300,000 employers since the COVID-19 pandemic started. About 93,000 of 903,420 workers from 20 informal sectors are currently contributing to Socso.
The Cabinet will need to approve the proposal to increase Socso contributions first before the Human Resources Minister can enforce the new contribution rates.
As of now, employers need to pay monthly contributions for every eligible employee based on the rate specified under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969. Self-employed persons pay a monthly minimum of RM13.10 when the voluntary contribution scheme for the self-employed started in 2017.
Sources: Malay Mail & The Star
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