Understanding Employer's Liability: Are Snake Bites and Natural Deaths Covered at Work?

Kindly provide us with details of Employer's Liability in the case of a snake bite and natural death due to organ failure, such as a heart attack, while an employee is on duty. Generally, we understand that the Workers' Compensation Policy covers only injuries sustained while on duty. Is a snake bite while on duty also covered under the Workers' Compensation Policy? I would be grateful if any case law details could be made available.

With Warm Regards,
RKB

Yes, the Act includes the provision: "Death of a workman due to a snake bite while on duty will amount to 'accident.' Taj Khan Hnusa v. Patel Prevbha Neemuch, (1999) 81 FLR 607: (1999) III LLJ (Supp) 1246: 1999 LLR 63 (MP HC)." Source: Workmen Compensation Act

Request for Expert Insights

Requesting our experts to share more about the implementation of this rule.

Generally, natural deaths are not included in Workers' Compensation policy. However, it will differ from case to case.

Case Law on Snake Bite as an Accident

This is what I was waiting for. When we read about an act, its implementation remains a far cry. For someone who has never worked in the manufacturing sector, it can be largely misleading. Please share more on how it is treated and what are the things that must be taken care of in case such an accident happens.

Understanding "Arising & in the Course of Employment"

ECA stands for "Arising & in the course of employment" in cases of natural death. There is a rare chance of having a relation to injury or death under this context. "Arising & in the course of employment." I hope this will help the members...

I feel there are some cases where courts awarded compensation in cases of natural deaths as well. It depends on a case-by-case basis and the correlation between the death and the nature of work.

Workers' Compensation for Heart Attack Induced by Job Stress

If an employee dies due to a heart attack induced by the stress faced on duty (whether regular stress due to the nature of the job or a single incident such as a shock-induced heart attack), it will also be covered under the Workers' Compensation Act (WCA) for compensation. However, this is a point that needs to be proven before the WCA Court in the claim petition. The chances of awarding compensation are high in such cases.