Section 27: Special terms in contract of employment

27. Special terms in contract of employment (1) Notwithstanding this Act, a person in respect of whom a medical practitioner has certified that, by reason of old age or serious physical infirmity or any previous injury, he is specially liable to meet with an accident or W9 – 17 [Issue 1] Workmen’s Compensation Act to sustain a serious injury if employed as a workman at any work may, in entering into a contract of employment with an employer, agree with the employer that the employer shall pay less than the amount payable under this Act in respect of the injury or death of that person. (2) No agreement under subsection (1) shall be valid and effectual, unless it has been approved by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for the subject of labour, and unless the amount agreed to be paid in respect of the injury or death is at least one half the amount that would otherwise be payable as compensation under this Act.