Employees who suffer work-related injuries amid bad weather may be entitled to benefits and support services under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program of the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), the Department of Labor and Employment said.

ECC executive director Atty. Kaima Via B. Velasquez said the program covers workers exposed to rain-related hazards, including accidents while commuting to and from work.

“Going to work and returning home from work are covered by the Employees’ Compensation Program. This means that if workers get into an accident while going to work, such as slipping because the road is wet or falling into an open manhole, they are covered by EC,” Velasquez said.

She said the EC Program provides income replacement to private-sector workers who are temporarily unable to work because of job-related accidents or sickness.

Workers may also receive medical reimbursement of up to 60 percent of treatment and consultation expenses. They must keep official hospital and medical receipts for processing, she added.

Private-sector employees may file EC claims through the Social Security System, while government workers may file through the Government Service Insurance System.

Self-employed workers may submit their EC claims through the SSS app, while government workers may contact their local GSIS office.

For accidents that occur off-site or during a worker’s daily commute, claimants must submit valid documentation of the incident to the SSS or GSIS to establish their eligibility.

Workers may also contact the ECC through its regional extension units or official Facebook page.