The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1915-07-02
AFTER five years of agitation and
~ education by the labor men of
- Nova Scotia there has been

Nova Scotia, there has been
placed upon the statute books
of the province a workmen's compen-
sation act which is regarded as the
most advanced labor legislation ever
enacted in Nova Scotia, and pro-
nounced by some as superior to many
compensation acts and exceled by
none.
One of the most important features
of the act is the principle of collective
liability in substitution for the old prin-
ctple of individual liability. This prac-
tically means system of state in
surance The industries. will be divided
into groups, regulated as regards
similarity In the nature of their work,
or the hazards in connection Herewith.
Each class will contribute to the ac-
cident fund a sufficient sum each year
to pay cost resulting from accidents
occurring in the group to which they
are attached. Assessments are made
upon percentage of pay rolls. The
fund is administered by the compen-
sation board, which has large powers
under the act. The province defrays
the expenses of the board, which will
consist of three members.
The new act differs from the old in
every respect The greatest amount
payable under the old law was $1,000.
The new act provides for the injured
workman during his disability, even If
it lasts his lifetime Litigation is
al thI1S with
agents, adjusters, lawyers, stockhold-
ers or any third parties, who represent
only waste. Compensation will not
be paid where disability lasts less than
seven days, but if it lasts longer, COM
pensation will date from time of in
jury.
The scale of compensation is regu-
lated as follows: During the entire pc
riod of total disability resulting from
an accident the work man Is entitled to
weekly or monthly payment equal to
55 per cent of his average earnings be-
fore the accident. In case of partial
disability he is entitled to So per cent
of the difference between what he has
earned before the accident and what lie
earns or can earn in suitable employ
ment after the accident.
The maximum sum of yearly earn
ings upon which payments are COM
puted is 81 200 Workmen earning
more than this sum are within the act,
but their compensation in case of acci-
dent is based on the established maxi
mum of S100 per month.
Where death results and the work
the widow is entitled to Il monthly
payment of $50 until her death or re-
marriage. In event of remarriage the
sum of two years payments is given
her. Ii the dependents are widow
and children, in addition to payments
to widow SD per month shall be paid
for each child under sixteen years. the
maximum payment not exceeding $40
in all. II dependents are children only.
payments are $40 per month for each
child under sixteen but not more than
$40 in all. Payments are provided for
the dependents father, mother, etc)
who are not included in foregoing.
Payments are provided for loss of fin
gers, etc.
In return for advantages of the act
the statutory rights of the workman
are taken away. This will do away
with court expenses and unnecessary
delay in payment of compensation be-
sides giving assurance to the employer
that all he will be called upon to/pay
will be his proportionatc cost of the
accident happening in the group of in
dustries to which he is attached.-Ty-
biographical Journal.