What Are My Rights If I Am Injured at Work in Dubai?
Workplace injuries can have a significant impact on your health and livelihood. If you are injured while working in Dubai, it is important to understand your rights and the procedures you should follow to ensure that you receive the proper medical care, compensation, and support. Under UAE law, employees are entitled to certain protections and benefits if they sustain injuries at work. Here’s what you need to know:
Immediate Medical Attention: The first and most important step if you are injured at work is to seek immediate medical attention. Your employer is required by law to provide necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries. This includes medical care, hospitalization, and rehabilitation if needed. If the injury is severe, the employer must ensure you are taken to a hospital or a healthcare facility for emergency treatment.
Report the Injury to Your Employer: It is crucial to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Inform them about the incident, the nature of your injury, and any immediate medical care you have received. Reporting the injury creates a formal record and helps prevent misunderstandings later. Your employer should provide you with the necessary documentation to support your medical claim, such as an accident report or medical certificates.
Workers' Compensation and Insurance: In Dubai, employers are required to provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees. This insurance covers medical expenses and, in some cases, compensation for lost wages due to an injury. If your injury prevents you from working temporarily, the insurance should cover your salary for a period of time (usually up to a certain percentage, depending on the severity of the injury). If the injury results in permanent disability, you may be entitled to a lump sum compensation payment.
Temporary Disability and Sick Leave: If your injury prevents you from working, you are entitled to sick leave and should continue to receive your regular salary for the duration of your illness or recovery, depending on the severity of the injury. Under UAE law, employees are entitled to a certain number of paid sick leave days. The exact number of days and the level of payment may vary depending on your employment contract and company policy.
Permanent Disability or Death: If the injury results in permanent disability or death, you or your dependents may be entitled to additional compensation. In cases of permanent disability, compensation is typically based on the degree of disability and may be calculated as a percentage of your salary. For death resulting from a work-related injury, the family of the deceased employee may receive compensation, including a lump sum payment, and the right to claim any benefits that were previously due to the employee.
Consult Labour Lawyers in Dubai: If you experience difficulties in obtaining compensation or medical treatment from your employer or the insurance company, it is important to seek advice from labour lawyers in Dubai. A lawyer specializing in labor law can help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process. They can also assist you in filing a claim for compensation if the insurance company or employer fails to fulfill their legal obligations.
File a Complaint with MOHRE: If your employer is not fulfilling their obligations or if you encounter any other issues related to your workplace injury, you have the right to file a complaint with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). MOHRE can investigate the matter, mediate between you and your employer, and ensure that you receive the compensation and benefits you are entitled to.
Legal Action in Case of Disputes: If your case is not resolved through mediation or direct negotiation, you may need to pursue legal action. Labour lawyers in Dubai can assist you in taking the matter to the Dubai Labor Court. In cases of severe injuries or disputes over compensation, the court may order the employer to pay the appropriate compensation, medical bills, and any other damages related to the injury.
Employer’s Responsibility to Maintain a Safe Workplace: Employers in Dubai are legally required to ensure that the workplace is safe and that appropriate measures are in place to prevent accidents and injuries. This includes providing proper safety equipment, training employees on health and safety protocols, and conducting regular safety checks. If your injury was caused by the employer’s negligence or failure to follow safety standards, you may have grounds for additional compensation or legal action.
In conclusion, if you are injured at work in Dubai, you have several legal protections that ensure you receive the necessary medical care and compensation. Employers are responsible for providing insurance and compensating you for time off work due to injury. If you encounter difficulties in receiving the care or compensation you are entitled to, consulting with labour lawyers in Dubai can help you protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly under UAE law
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