Marketing Team
A warehouse worker twists his ankle while moving boxes. He was not wearing his issued safety shoes that day. Many might assume that this oversight means he cannot claim for compensation.
Yet under Singapore’s Work Injury Compensation Act, the reality is more surprising — and reassuring for many employees.
The Work Injury Compensation Act, or WICA, is Singapore’s framework for providing compensation to employees who are injured or fall ill because of work.
It allows workers to claim for medical leave wages, medical expenses and lump sum compensation for permanent incapacity or death without having to go to court or prove that the employer was at fault.
This is what sets WICA apart from the traditional legal route. It operates on a principle known as no fault liability.
No Fault Liability Explained
In simple terms, no-fault liability means that an employee can still make a claim even if the injury occurred partly because of their own oversight.
This could include not wearing safety shoes, forgetting to put on a helmet or missing a safety briefing, as long as the injury happened in the course of employment.
The goal is to make sure that workers are not left without help because of a momentary lapse. The priority is on timely medical care and fair compensation rather than lengthy disputes over blame.
When a Claim Can Be Refused
No fault liability is not unlimited. Compensation may be denied if the injury was caused by wilful misconduct. This could mean being under the influence of alcohol, deliberately ignoring repeated safety instructions or starting a fight in the workplace.
Importantly, failing to wear issued personal protective equipment does not automatically amount to wilful misconduct, especially if the employer did not enforce its use or explain why it was necessary.
A Simpler Path Than Court
WICA is not as widely known outside human resources and legal circles because it operates separately from civil lawsuits.
An injured worker can file a claim directly with the Ministry of Manpower. The process is designed to be quicker and less costly than going to court, with many straightforward cases resolved within a few months.
WICA applies to all employees, whether local or foreign, as long as the accident happened during work. Dependents of an employee who died because of a workplace accident can also make a claim on behalf of the employee.
Why It Matters
For workers, the protection offered under WICA is an important safeguard, but it should never be seen as a substitute for following safety procedures.
For employers, it reinforces the need to provide the right protective equipment, train staff on its use and ensure it is worn at all times.
Safety shoes, helmets and reflective vests are not optional extras. They are essential tools that prevent injuries before they happen.
While WICA ensures that injured employees receive support, the law works best alongside a strong culture of safety — where protection is always worn, and accidents are avoided in the first place.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is provided for general informational purposes only. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. No representations or warranties, express or implied, are made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. The authors expressly disclaim any and all liability arising from, or in connection with, any errors or omissions. Recipients are advised to seek independent legal counsel for advice pertaining to their individual circumstances.
