Workmen’s Compensation Laws in UAE for Operational Injuries

Introduction

Hazardous Workplaces are always dangerous for workers. Who is responsible if workers accidentally become ill or die during work? Obviously, the employer is responsible, so it’s better to take precautions before such things happen. UAE Labor Law is there to protect workers by providing rights to claim employees’ safety if an accident happens in an organization, as it helps employees by providing financial compensation for those who suffer from illness or die during work.

This blog covers the legal framework for workmen’s compensation in the UAE for operational injuries, safety, health, and workers’ welfare. It also explains CoverB’s significance for organizations and their expertise and in-depth knowledge about insurance coverage.

Legal Framework and Authorities

The UAE government’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is in charge of the UAE Labor Law. The MOHRE is responsible for managing dispute resolutions, observing employer compliance, and implementing safe work practices under the workmen’s compensation for employees. The laws that are particularly made for employees’ safety by the UAE government are

LAW 1- Federal Decree-Law No.33 of 2021- Act of Employment Relationships and its amendments

Article 13 – Employer’s Responsibilities for Securing Worker’s rights, safety

Article 13 forms a set of employer responsibilities and safety, well-being, and workers’ rights throughout their employment. It illustrates the framework that employers must follow and addresses the various aspects of employment, from legal documents to safeguarding employees in the workplace.

Clause 6—In accordance with the provisions of the Decree-Law, this clause regulates workers by providing them with training to avoid injuries, illness, or death in the workplace.

Clause 13 – Providing a safe and appropriate workplace environment

Article 16 – Workerm Responsibilities

Clause 6—The occupational safety and health instructions are enacted in the establishment as per the law in work regulations.

Article 37 – Compensation for Work Injuries and Occupational Diseases

Clause 1—According to Article 37, Clause 1, if the employee is on full or partial disability during work, the compensation amount should be paid, and it’s the employer’s responsibility.

Clause 2 – Employer must cover the expenses of the employee’s treatment until he gets better.

Clause 3—If the employee dies due to a work injury, his family has a right to compensation equal to the employee’s wage for 24 months. The compensation amount should be no less than AED 18,000 and no more than AED 2,00,000.

Article 38 – Cases of the Worker’s Non-entitlement of Work Injury Compensation

If an employee’s work injury is proven to be forfeit, they cannot be entitled to work injury compensation. The following clauses are significant in a worker’s non-entitlement to work injury compensation.

Clause 1 – The injury purposely caused by an employee for any reason.

Clause 2 – If an injury happens because of alcohol, narcotics, or other illegal substances.

Clause 3—The Implementing regulation applies if the injury occurs intentionally in violation of the safe instruction in visible areas in the workplace.

Clause 4 – The injury happens as a knowingly misconduct by the employee.

Clause 5 – If the worker refuses to follow the treatment specified by the medical unit.

LAW 2 – UAE Federal Law No.8 of 1980

Chapter V

Disciplinary Actions

• The significance of equitable disciplinary actions by employers, such as protecting employee rights for their safety.
• Employers must submit the internal disciplinary codes for approval to ensure compliance with labor laws regarding workplace safety regulations.

Health & Safety

• The violations of safety regulations include serious misconduct, which leads to severe disciplinary actions such as dismissal.
• The employer should appoint one physician to perform a full checkup once every six months for employees who are exposed to infection that may result in occupational disease.

Chapter VIII

Reporting Responsibilities

• In Article 142, the employers must report labor injuries or occupational diseases to both the police and the Labor Department.

Employers Responsibilities

• According to Article 144, the employers must cover the expenses of medical treatment at government or private hospitals until recovery.

Financial Compensation

• Article 145 states that due to work injuries, employees are entitled to get paid for up to six months during their treatment.

Permanent Disability Compensation

• Employees with permanent partial disabilities are compensated according to a percentage in the law’s schedules, Article 150.
• According to Article 151, A permanent total disability compensates equally the amount payable for death indemnity.

Schedule Amendments

• In Article 152, the list of occupational diseases and disability compensation rates can be modified as considered by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in Consultation with the Ministry of Health.

Efforts of the UAE to Increase Work Conditions for Migrant Workers

The UAE has made huge efforts to improve the work conditions for all employees and create job opportunities. A few examples are

• In 2017, the UAE provided migrant workers with the same labor protections as other workers through the UAE Domestic Workers Rights Bill.
• In 2015, the UAE government pushed AED 300 billion to advance a knowledge economy and prepare the UAE for a world that is not just oil.

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Conclusion

Obtaining Insurance coverage is not just an option; it is mandatory for every organization in the UAE. The employer should take care of their employee, as their first duty is to ensure their workers operate in a safe environment. In a hazardous workplace, anything can happen to workers, so the organization should take precautions before any accident occurs. Insurance coverage is an investment for the organization, which has been the backbone of the company. CoverB plays a significant role in getting insurance coverage for many organizations and safeguards both employer and employee in the work environment. Get your business protected and your employee safety by insurance coverage with CoverB.