Procedures of Applying for Compensation
- Applicant submits documents to prove his employment in specified noisy occupations
- Applicant fills in application form to make an application
- The Board conducts the employment check
- If the applicant satisfies the occupational requirements, the Board will arrange the applicant to undergo a hearing test
- If the applicant fails to satisfy the occupational requirements, the Board will refuse his application. The applicant can request a review or lodge an appeal on the determination of the Board
- The Board arranges the applicant to undergo a hearing test
- If the applicant satisfies the hearing loss requirements, the Board will approve the application with compensation
- If the applicant fails to satisfy the hearing loss requirements, the Board will refuse the application. The applicant can request a review or lodge an appeal on the determination of the Board
Submission of Application
Any person who wishes to apply for compensation should-
- apply to the Board in the specified form; and
- submit information about his employment.
Employment Check
Basing on the information provided by the applicant, the Board will contact his present and past employers, co-workers or other organisations in writing to verify the information about his employment. If necessary, the Board will ask the applicant to provide further information.
If the Board determines that the applicant has satisfied the occupational requirements, it will arrange the latter to receive hearing test.
If the Board considers that the applicant has failed to meet the occupational requirements, it will issue a notice of refusal to him stating the reason of refusal.
Hearing Test
After affirming that the applicant has met the occupational requirements, the Board would arrange for him to receive hearing test and medical examination in order to ascertain the degree and cause of his hearing loss.
The applicant should follow the direction of the Board to receive hearing test at the designated hearing test centre. Where necessary, he may be required to attend more than one hearing test.
Having determined that the applicant has fulfilled all the requirements for being entitled to compensation, the Board will also determine the amount of compensation payable. A certificate of determination of compensation will be issued to the applicant, stating his degree of noise-induced hearing loss, percentage of permanent incapacity and the amount of compensation. If the applicant agrees with the amount of compensation, the Board will pay him the sum. After he has received the payment, the applicant will lose his right to raise objection to the amount of compensation payable to him.
If the hearing loss of the applicant does not meet the required level, the Board will issue a notice of refusal to him stating the reasons of refusal.
Review and Appeal
An applicant may, within 14 days from the date of the notice of refusal or certificate of determination of compensation, request the Board to review its decision. The request should be made in writing and state the reasons of objection. Upon receiving the request, the Board will review its decision and inform the applicant of the result in writing. Where the applicant is still not satisfied with the review decision of the Board, he could appeal against the decision at the District Court. The appeal should be lodged within 6 months from the determination of the review made by the Board. However, where it thinks fit, the Court may extend the time limit for making an appeal.
Withdrawal
Applicant can apply in written to withdraw his/her application for compensation before taking hearing test and medical examination arranged by the Board. But please note that once an applicant has undergone such test and examination, the Board reserves its right to make any appropriate determination despite that the applicant has requested to withdraw his application.
