Family of worker who died in Shaw Plaza accident given ‘cash token’, insurance payout to come

SINGAPORE  — The employer of a migrant worker who died in an accident at Shaw Plaza last week has given his dependents a “cash token” to help them tide through this difficult period while an insurance claim is being processed, the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) said on Thursday (Nov 21).

The worker, 30-year-old Indian national Ravichandran, fell to his death last Thursday while working at Shaw Plaza. 

The Straits Times reported that Ravichandran was carrying out housekeeping duties on the first floor of the building when he fell through a partition board to the basement.

MWC, which is a non-governmental organisation and welfare group that supports foreign workers, said in a Facebook post that despite some initial difficulty, it managed to contact his employer and have ascertained that in the days following the accident, the employer saw to the necessary last rites and arranged for the repatriation of his body.

“In addition, Ravichandran’s employer paid for his brother, who also works in Singapore, to fly home with his remains,” the centre said.

It added that a claim has been filed under the Work Injury Compensation Act, which provides compensation in excess of S$200,000 for workplace fatalities. 

This is a mandatory insurance that employers must but for all Work Permit holders here, except for foreign domestic workers.

“However, as it will take three to six months to conclude — from filing to award of compensation — there is an urgent need to assess the deceased’s family immediate to short-term needs, as well as provide the additional interim assistance where necessary,” MWC said.

“The employer has informed us that (the firm has) provided a cash token to Ravichandran’s dependents to tide them through this difficult period.” 

MWC said that it has spoken to Ravichandran’s older brother and is in the process of contacting his spouse to see how else it can provide support. 

“If need be, we are prepared to supplement with additional financial support through our charity, the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund.”

Individuals who wish to make a donation directly to Ravichandran’s family may email MWC at feedback [at] mwc.org.sg.