Channels for reporting work injuries and occupational diseases
All establishments are required to report work injuries and occupational diseases to Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Reporting can be done through any of the following channels:
In case of an injury or death at the workplace, the employer must inform MoHRE within 48 hours from the incident.
Obligations of the employer
Establishments with 50 or more workers must have a special system for monitoring work injuries and occupational diseases. The system should include:
- a record of work-related injuries and occupational diseases
- necessary preventive tools and training programmes for workers engaged in high-risk activities
- an inventory of all activities that are dangerous to the health and safety of workers
- number of workers performing hazardous jobs
- a mechanism to:
- carry out periodic health examinations of workers engaged in hazardous activities
- promptly report incidents of work injuries and occupational diseases within the establishment
- investigate incidents of work injuries, occupational diseases and taking the necessary measures to protect other workers
- obtain a report from the competent medical committees that shows the level of disability in the event of a work injury or occupational diseases
- a log for periodic medical examination of workers
- a record of workers exposed to occupational hazards for a period of not less than 5 years after the termination of their service.
- documentation confirming the worker’s period of employment in high-risk professions upon their departure.
Compensation for work injuries and occupational diseases
An employer is obligated to treat and compensate an injured worker for any work-related illness or injury. The compensation is paid according to Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationship, and its amendments (PDF, 918 KB).
The worker receives compensation within a maximum period of 10 days after the issuance of the medical report indicating the percentage of disability as illustrated in the schedules annexed to Cabinet Resolution No. 33 of 2022 Concerning Work injuries and Occupational diseases (PDF, 478 KB).
Amount of compensation
If the work injury or illness results in the worker’s death, the compensation is equal to the basic wage of the worker for 24 months, provided that the compensation amount is not less than AED 18,000 (eighteen thousand) and not more than AED 200,000 (two hundred thousand). The compensation amount is calculated according to the basic wage that the worker was receiving before his death. The compensation is paid to his /her legal heirs in accordance with applicable laws, or as specified by the worker prior to his death.
If a worker sustains a permanent complete disability, the compensation will be equal to the amount due in the event of death.
If a worker sustains a partial disability, compensation will be based on the percentages defined in the tables annexed in Cabinet Decision No. 33 of 2022, calculated from the death compensation amount specified in Clause 3 of Article 37 in Federal-Decree Law No. 22 of 2022.
For more information about reporting and handling work injuries and occupational diseases, refer to the Ministerial Resolution No. 657 of 2022 on Rules and Guidelines to Deal with Work Injuries and Occupational Diseases (PDF, 733 KB).