UAE Ministry defines six exceptions to workplace injury compensation

UAE Ministry defines six exceptions to workplace injury compensation

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has clarified six specific situations in which employees are not entitled to compensation for workplace injuries, forming part of a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to balance worker protection with accountability for safety compliance.

The framework operates under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, which came into force on February 2, 2022, replacing the former Federal Law No. 8 of 1980. The law has since been updated through subsequent amendments including Federal Decree-Laws No. 14 of 2022, No. 20 of 2023, and No. 9 of 2024, reflecting the UAE's commitment to maintaining current workplace safety standards.

Six disqualifying circumstances

According to MoHRE, employees forfeit their right to compensation when injuries occur under the following conditions:

• Self-inflicted injuries caused intentionally by the employee for any reason
• Injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other mind-altering substances
• Injuries resulting from deliberate violation of prominently displayed preventive instructions at the workplace
• Injuries caused by intentional misconduct on the employee's part
• Cases where the employee refuses without valid reason to undergo medical examination or follow prescribed treatment recommended by competent medical authorities
• Situations where authorities establish that injury occurred due to deliberate breach of visible workplace safety instructions

Compensation structure and amounts

When employees qualify for compensation, the amounts are substantial and clearly defined. For cases of death or permanent total disability, compensation equals 24 months of the worker's basic salary, with amounts ranging from a minimum of AED 18,000 to a maximum of AED 200,000. Partial disability compensation is calculated proportionately based on disability percentage as determined by specialized medical committees, in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. 33 of 2022, which was issued in April 2022 and establishes the detailed framework for work injuries and occupational diseases.

The compensation calculation is based on the employee's most recent basic salary and must be paid within a maximum of 10 days after the medical report determining disability degree is issued. During recovery, injured employees receive full wages for the initial six months and half wages for the following six months if additional recovery time is necessary.

Employer obligations and reporting requirements

Private-sector employers bear significant responsibilities under the regulatory framework. They must cover all treatment costs for injured employees and maintain comprehensive documentation systems including registers for workplace injuries and occupational illnesses. Employers are required to report workplace injuries to MoHRE within 48 hours of incidents occurring, as well as notifying relevant medical authorities and police departments within the establishment's jurisdiction.

The ministry emphasized that employers cannot terminate employment relationships or cancel contracts of injured employees until all entitlements have been paid. Even if employees choose to terminate contracts before medical committee reports are issued, their rights remain protected and will be determined according to committee findings.

Preventive measures and enforcement

The legislative framework requires employers to provide workers with personal protective equipment free of charge, along with training and qualification programs to manage occupational risks. Regular medical examinations are mandatory to monitor for occupational diseases. Employers must also maintain records of workers' medical examinations and retain documentation of employees exposed to occupational hazards for at least five years after employment ends.

MoHRE inspectors exercise considerable authority, including the power to enter and inspect any workplace without prior notice. They can impose penalties including suspension of operations or referral to Public Prosecution in severe cases. Penalties for workplace safety violations range from AED 5,000 to AED 1,000,000 per offense, depending on severity.

Cultural diversity and compliance

The UAE labour market's unique cultural diversity, encompassing numerous nationalities and skill levels, presents particular challenges for occupational safety. Despite this complexity, both employers and employees demonstrate commitment to complying with national occupational health and safety legislation standards.

Through its regulatory procedures, MoHRE seeks to maintain safe, healthy, and accident-free working environments that contribute to higher productivity and timely project completion. The ministry conducts regular inspection campaigns to ensure establishments comply with occupational health and safety requirements, creating conditions that support both worker well-being and economic efficiency.

The comprehensive approach to workplace safety documentation enables authorities to identify risk factors and address challenges systematically, promoting not only physical safety but also psychological well-being, productivity, and efficiency across the UAE's diverse workforce.