What Happens If an Employee Is Partially Disabled Due to a Workplace Injury?

If an employee suffers partial disability due to a workplace injury, the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923 provides compensation based on the degree of disability and its impact on the worker's ability to perform work. Partial disability refers to a condition where the worker is unable to fully perform their duties but is not completely incapacitated. The compensation amount is calculated based on the severity of the disability and the impact on the worker’s earnings.

Compensation for Partial Disability Under the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923:

Definition of Partial Disability:

Partial disability refers to a situation where the worker suffers a reduction in their capacity to perform certain tasks or work activities due to the injury but is still able to carry out other duties to some extent. Unlike total disability, where the worker is completely unable to work, partial disability allows the worker to continue working but with some limitations.

Types of Partial Disability:

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): This occurs when the worker’s disability is permanent but does not result in complete loss of capacity to work. For example, losing a finger or a part of a limb may cause permanent partial disability but does not render the worker fully incapable of working.

Temporary Partial Disability: This refers to a condition where the employee's ability to work is temporarily impaired due to the injury. The worker may recover over time and be able to return to their full capacity.

Calculation of Compensation for Permanent Partial Disability:

Under the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923, compensation for permanent partial disability is calculated based on the percentage of disability and the wages of the worker. The degree of disability is assessed using a medical certificate or disability rating provided by a doctor.

The compensation amount is calculated using the following formula:

Compensation = (Wage rate) × (Percentage of disability) × (Relevant multiplier for disability).

The multiplier is defined in the Act based on the nature of the injury. For instance, the loss of a finger or part of a limb is assigned a specific percentage disability rating according to the disability schedule in the Act.

Schedule of Disabilities (Appendix to the Act):

The Employees' Compensation Act includes a schedule that lists specific injuries and their corresponding disability percentages. For example:

• Loss of a thumb: 25% disability.
• Loss of a finger: 5-10% disability (depending on the finger).
• Permanent loss of vision in one eye: 30% disability.

The degree of disability is assessed based on the injury type and the body part affected. This helps in calculating the compensation in a standardized manner.

Temporary Partial Disability Compensation:

For temporary partial disability, compensation is typically paid in the form of temporary disability benefits, which may amount to a percentage of the worker’s average daily wages during the period of incapacity. The worker is compensated for lost wages due to their reduced capacity to work while recovering from the injury.

The amount is generally 50% of the wages during the period of temporary disability, and the payment continues for a set duration until the worker recovers or the disability is no longer considered temporary.

Maximum Limit for Compensation:

The Act sets a maximum limit for compensation based on the wages and nature of the injury. If the disability is permanent, the compensation may also be subject to the maximum limit prescribed under the Act. However, for temporary disabilities, the compensation is generally capped at a certain period (usually up to 3 years or until the employee recovers).

Employer’s Responsibility:

The employer is responsible for ensuring that the worker receives compensation for any work-related injuries, including partial disability. The employer must report the injury, assist with medical treatment, and ensure that the worker receives the necessary benefits under the law.

Example:

An employee working in a factory injures their hand while operating machinery. As a result, the worker loses the ability to use two fingers of the right hand, resulting in permanent partial disability. According to the disability schedule in the Employees' Compensation Act, the loss of two fingers is classified as a 15% disability. If the worker’s monthly wages are ₹20,000, the compensation calculation would be:

Compensation = ₹20,000 × 15% = ₹3,000 per month.

This amount would be paid to the worker as compensation for the permanent loss of use of the fingers, in addition to other benefits such as medical treatment.

Conclusion:

When an employee suffers partial disability due to a workplace injury, the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923 ensures that they are entitled to compensation based on the severity of the disability and its impact on their work ability. The calculation depends on the percentage of disability, the nature of the injury, and the worker’s wages. Whether the disability is permanent or temporary, the law provides a framework for compensating the worker for their lost ability to perform their job duties. Employers are required to assist with the claims process and ensure workers receive the compensation they are entitled to under the law.