To ensure workplace safety in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has developed a mechanism for registering cases of workplace injuries or suspected occupational diseases.
Under this mechanism, the employer is obliged to take several actions: notify the relevant medical authority, report to the competent police department corresponding to the geographical zone, and inform the Ministry through established channels within 48 hours.
Furthermore, the employer is responsible for covering the costs of the employee's medical treatment in accordance with current UAE legislation.
The UAE has a clear system for monitoring workplace injuries and occupational diseases. By law, enterprises employing 50 or more people are required to implement this system. It includes maintaining records of workplace injuries and occupational diseases, as well as providing necessary preventive measures and practical training to employees engaged in high-risk jobs.
It is also required to keep records of all activities that pose a danger to the health and safety of employees, record the number of workers performing hazardous tasks, and establish mechanisms for regular medical examinations for individuals exposed to dangerous influences.
The system must allow for prompt reporting of incidents related to injuries or illnesses, as well as a mechanism for investigating such incidents and taking measures to protect other workers. There must also be a way to obtain a conclusion from competent medical commissions regarding the degree of disability in case of injury or illness.
Employers are obligated to maintain a log of periodic medical examinations and store records of employees who have been exposed to occupational hazards for at least five years after the termination of employment. Upon completion of service, the employee is issued a document confirming the period of work in a hazardous position.
In the event of a workplace injury or illness, the employer must compensate the employee, or their dependents if the employee died as a result of an incident at the workplace. Payment is made according to the country's current legislation or the deceased employee's will.
If an employee is injured or falls ill at work, the employer must cover all treatment expenses until recovery or confirmation of the degree of disability. During the treatment period, the employee is entitled to full salary for six months, as previously reported by Khaleej Times.
In case of death or disability, according to Ministry Decree No. 657 of 2022 in the UAE, the compensation amount for a workplace injury is calculated based on the employee's last basic salary received.
Compensation is calculated by multiplying the percentage assigned to the disability according to Cabinet Resolution No. 33 of 2022 concerning workplace injuries and occupational diseases. For total disability or death, the percentage is 100%. For partial permanent disability, the percentage varies depending on the type and severity. The amount of compensation due equals the percentage multiplied by the basic salary amount for a period of 24 months, provided that the compensation amount is not less than 18,000 dirhams and does not exceed 200,000 dirhams.
