Workmen's compensation: some suggested reforms

Abstract

Impending legislation relating to Workmen's Compensation makes this a suitable time for one to suggest some necessary reforms in the existing law. A Departmental Committee appointed by the Government is, I understand, about to publish its Report, and it is possible that some of its recommendations may include those which I am about to suggest. The whole field of Workmen's Compensation law is so wide that it would be impossible for me in the short time at my disposal to cover it. I shall, therefore, content myself with dealing with two matters which require attention with a view to making more complete the administration of this branch of the law. They relate to measures having for their object— (1) Guarantees that a workman shall in all cases receive compensation which may be awarded to him. This is supplemental to the existing law; and (2) The bringing up to date of the law having regard to the change in the status of our country from being part of the late United Kingdom to being one of the nations associated in the British Commonwealth of Nations.