Accidents at work and occupational diseases. Ombudsperson calls for updating of the way compensation is calculated

Date of article: 18/11/2024

Daily News of: 20/11/2024

Country:  Portugal

Author: National Ombudsman of Portugal

The Ombudsperson, Maria Lúcia Amaral, has recommended that the government urgently update the calculation of capital compensation awarded to workers who have suffered an accident at work or occupational disease, so that it reflects both current average life expectancy and interest rates.
These two indicators, which are part of determining the amount to be paid, are far out of date, creating disadvantageous situations for workers and undue benefits for payers.

The lack of updating provided for a long time ago in the Law on Accidents at Work (Law no. 98/2009, of 4 September) has generated several complaints. Currently, the calculation of capital compensation is still based on Ordinance no. 11/2000 of 13 January, legislation that is more than 24 years old and uses demographic data from 1988-1990. This data assumes, for example, an average life expectancy at the age of 65 of 13.07 years – around six years lower than the current average.

In addition, an interest rate of 5.25% is assumed, which is much higher than what is currently being charged, resulting in estimated monetisation gains that don’t correspond to reality. What’s more, in several situations, beneficiaries don’t even have the option of refusing this conversion of their pension into a lump sum, as it is legally obligatory.

Recalling that this situation results from a legislative omission already signalled to Parliament, the Ombudsperson reinforces the need to adopt current and adjusted criteria, subject to continuous updating, in order to guarantee respect for the right of workers or their families, in the event of death, to fair compensation.

To read the full Recommendation click here [in Portuguese only].

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El trabajo en los centros penitenciarios: “No se trata solo de ocupar a los internos, sino de formarlos pensando en su reinserción”

Date of article: 18/11/2024

Daily News of: 20/11/2024

Country:  Spain - Catalonia

Author: Regional Ombudsman of Catalonia

Hoy se ha debatido en la Comisión del Síndic el informe del Mecanismo Catalán para la Prevención de la Tortura (MCPT) de 2023

El MCPT visitó veintinueve centros con personas privadas de libertad e hizo recomendaciones para garantizar sus derechos

El trabajo en los centros penitenciarios es fundamental para garantizar la reinserción, pero la oferta es insuficiente y poco útil
 

La síndica de greuges de Cataluña, Esther Giménez-Salinas, y el adjunto general, Jaume Saura, han comparecido este lunes ante la Comisión del Síndic del Parlamento de Cataluña para debatir el Informe del Mecanismo Catalán para la Prevención de la Tortura correspondiente al año 2023.

El Síndic de Greuges actúa como MCPT en todos los espacios en los que se encuentren personas privadas de libertad, realiza visita a algunos de ellos y elabora una ficha con las principales observaciones y las recomendaciones que se derivan de las visitas para garantizar los derechos de estas personas. Toda esta actividad se recoge en un informe anual que se entrega al Parlamento.

El adjunto general ha empezado explicando las cifras de los equipamientos que se han visitado durante el año 2023, un total de veintinueve, la mayoría comisarías de policía o centros penitenciarios. También se han visitado centros de internamiento de menores y otros centros residenciales y sociosanitarios.

Como cada año, el informe trata un tema con más profundidad, que este año ha sido el trabajo en los centros penitenciarios. En este sentido, la síndica ha querido destacar que el trabajo es una herramienta fundamental para la reinserción de las personas y que, por tanto, es necesario que las administraciones apuesten por esta medida. Los datos muestran que el 79 % de las mujeres internas en condiciones de hacerlo trabaja, frente al 60 % de los hombres internos. El informe también denuncia que hay lista de espera para acceder a los talleres, ya que no hay oferta suficiente, y que la mayoría de los trabajos que se ofrecen no requieren cualificación.

En este contexto, la síndica ha defendido un nuevo modelo de trabajo penitenciario, mucho más adaptado a las necesidades del mercado laboral actual y concebido para garantizar la reinserción de los internos: “No se trata solo de ocuparlos, sino de formarlos y enseñarles un oficio que les sea útil en la vida exterior, cuando hayan cumplido la condena.” La síndica pide que se valore la posibilidad de ofrecer trabajos que permitan a los internos salir de los centros penitenciarios, como la limpieza de bosques o el trabajo en el campo.

En cuanto a los salarios, el informe concluye que no son suficientes para que los internos puedan responsabilizarse de las cargas familiares, tal y como prevé la Ley orgánica general penitenciaria. Esto se explica, en parte, porque la falta de oferta obliga a repartir el trabajo y, por tanto, a trabajar menos horas de las que se necesitan para cobrar un salario más alto.

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Ombudsman findings, themes and trends – November 2024

Date of article: 20/11/2024

Daily News of: 20/11/2024

Country:  United Kingdom - Scotland

Author: Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

In this month’s edition of the Ombudsman’s findings, we discuss children and family services. 

This month we published decision reports from 22 complaints investigated by the Ombudsman. Sixteen these were about health services, three about health and social care and three about local government. The outcome of these 22 complaints were

  • Fully upheld: 15
  • Some upheld: 6
  • Not upheld: 1 

We made 74 recommendations for learning and improvement. 

Children and families 

Several of our cases this month relate to children and family services. 

In one case, our investigation found that a health and social care partnership failed to reasonably carry out enquiries into a child’s living conditions, following reports of concern from their grandparent. We also noted that the partnership failed to reasonably create, follow and document a Child’s Plan. 

We asked the partnership to apologise to the complainant, take timely and robust action to assess and investigate a situation when a concern is raised and ensure documentation is completed and monitored to a reasonable standard. 

In another case, a parent complained about the decision taken to end their child’s residential placement. We found no evidence that the draft needs assessment was shared with the child or their parents for comment, and no record of discussion with the child’s parents about respite options. It was unclear how the council concluded that Self Directed Support was in the child’s best interests, or that this has been properly communicated to the family. 

We asked the local authority to apologise and provide an explanation for why external respite options were considered unsuitable for the child. They also must ensure key decisions and changes are appropriately documented and communicated. 

Children and family social services directly impact the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and families. It is important these services operate effectively, in order to build trust, provide timely and meaningful support, and ensure that children's rights and needs are met. 

For more information on our work on Child Friendly Complaints, please visit our website

All our published decision reports can be read in full on our website.

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Diritto al divertimento in sicurezza: riflessione costruttiva con gli studenti marchigiani

Date of article: 19/11/2024

Daily News of: 20/11/2024

Country:  Italy - Marche

Author: Garante regionale dei diritti della persona (Regional Ombudsman of Marches)

Evento del Garante regionale dei diritti in occasione della Giornata internazionale dell’infanzia e dell’adolescenza. Il 20 novembre ad Ancona oltre trecento adolescenti, dopo la visione di un docufilm sulla vicenda della “Lanterna azzurra”, svolgeranno una riflessione sul divertimento in sicurezza

“Sarà un momento di condivisione durante il quale ragazze e ragazzi potranno esprimere le loro riflessioni sul senso della responsabilità condivisa, dell’importanza dell’aiuto reciproco e della solidarietà in situazioni di rischio e pericolo per la salute”.
Con queste parole il Garante regionale dei diritti della persona, quale Garante regionale per l’infanzia e l’adolescenza, Giancarlo Giulianelli, ha annunciato l’evento in programma mercoledì 20 novembre, alle ore 10, alla Mole Vanvitelliana di Ancona proprio per celebrare la Giornata internazionale dell’infanzia e dell’adolescenza. Un evento organizzato sulla base di un progetto dello stesso Ufficio del Garante dal titolo “La linea sottile”, realizzato in collaborazione con la Fondazione LHS di Saipem, l’Ufficio scolastico regionale e il Comune di Ancona.
Cuore della giornata sarà la riflessione guidata e comunitaria con gli oltre trecento studenti marchigiani che parteciperanno all’evento al termine della visione del docufilm “La linea sottile. Doveva essere una festa” del giornalista e storyteller Luca Pagliari, in cui viene ripercorsa la drammatica vicenda della “Lanterna azzurra” di Corinaldo.

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The Commissioner for Education addresses bBrave Anti-Bullying Week Award ceremony

Date of article: 18/11/2024

Daily News of: 20/11/2024

Country:  Malta

Author: National Ombudsman of Malta

The Commissioner for Education, Chief Justice Emeritus Vincent De Gaetano, delivered a compelling address at bBrave’s Anti-Bullying Week Award Ceremony, held under the theme "The Right to a Safe Learning Environment."

During his speech, the Commissioner highlighted the profound impact of bullying, describing it as an affront to human dignity. He emphasised that bullying, in any form or medium, is a violation of fundamental human rights and cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The importance of human dignity and the rule of law

The Commissioner explained how human dignity and the rule of law are foundational to all international and national fundamental rights and freedoms frameworks. Drawing on the teachings of Immanuel Kant, he underscored that every individual possesses an intrinsic dignity that transcends age, status, and physical or intellectual capacity. This dignity, he stressed, remains inviolable, regardless of circumstances.

He noted that the rule of law obliges governments and states to protect and promote human dignity. It ensures that no individual, including those in positions of authority, is above the law and that legislation is applied fairly, without discrimination, and in the interest of the common good.

Addressing modern bullying

Reflecting on contemporary understanding, the Commissioner discussed how bullying manifests subtly in various contexts, including schools, workplaces, and organisations. He stressed the importance of equipping individuals with the tools to detect and combat bullying, particularly in its early stages.

He also referred to the findings of the November 2023 Report on the Study on Bullying and Ostracism at the Workplace in Malta, noting its examples of anti-bullying legislation from foreign jurisdictions.

Key legislative references

The Commissioner highlighted two significant pieces of legislation that underscore the protection of human dignity. The first is Germany’s Basic Law, specifically Sub-article (1) of Article 1, which states, "Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority." This provision emphasises the dual responsibility of the state to both respect and actively protect human dignity. The second is Article 1 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which declares, "Human dignity is inviolable. It must be respected and protected." This article serves as a foundational principle for EU member states, including Malta, reinforcing their obligation to uphold and safeguard human dignity.

Concluding remarks

The Commissioner thanked bBrave for inviting him to the ceremony and praised the organisation's commitment to promoting a safe learning environment for all. He concluded by emphasising the importance of ongoing dialogue and proactive measures to address bullying in all its forms.

The event powerfully reminded us of our collective responsibility to uphold human dignity and ensure safe spaces for learning and personal growth.

 

 

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