The compensation levels for work injuries and occupational diseases will be increased from April 13, the Labour Department announced today.

The Legislative Council on March 15 passed three resolutions to increase the levels of 18 compensation items under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, the Pneumoconiosis & Mesothelioma (Compensation) Ordinance, and the Occupational Deafness (Compensation) Ordinance with the rise ranging from 2.18% to 19.05%. The amendments were gazetted today.

The department said under the established mechanism, the levels of compensation are adjusted every two years. Adjustments for most compensation items are normally made in the light of the wage movement as reflected by the nominal wage index or the price movement as reflected by the Consumer Price Index A.

It added that the increased levels of compensation will enhance the protection for employees injured at work or those with occupational diseases as well as family members of deceased employees or those who die of work injuries or occupational diseases.