What is the work place accident, what to do as an HR in the UAE?

Comprehensive Guide to Workplace Accident Procedures in the UAE

Workplace accidents can be distressing, but knowing the correct procedures ensures that employees receive the necessary medical care, legal protection, and financial compensation. In the UAE, workplace injuries are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labor Law) and Workforce Insurance regulations. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for handling workplace accidents, employer obligations, employee rights, and legal remedies.

 

Step 1: Immediate Actions After a Workplace Accident

1. Report the Accident

• Legally Required: Employees must inform their employer within 48 hours of the incident.
• Emergency Situations: Call 999 for police or ambulance assistance if immediate medical attention is needed.

2. Seek Medical Help

• Visit a government-approved hospital (e.g., Rashid Hospital in Dubai) for official documentation.
• Keep all records: Medical reports, prescriptions, and receipts are crucial for insurance claims.

 

Step 2: Legal Documentation & Employer Responsibilities

3. File a Police Report (If Applicable)

§  Required if the accident involves:

o   Negligence (e.g., unsafe working conditions).

o   Third-party liability (e.g., a contractor’s fault).

4. Employer’s Legal Obligations

Employers must:

§  Report to MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) within 5 working days.

§  Submit Form No. (1) for workplace injuries via:

o   MOHRE’s Tas’heel service centers

o   Tawajudi app (for labor complaints and notifications).

5. Medical Committee Assessment

§  MOHRE may refer the employee to a medical committee to determine:

o   Disability percentage (for compensation calculation).

o   Permanent injury (eligibility for long-term benefits).

 

Step 3: Compensation & Insurance Claims

6. Workforce Insurance Coverage (Mandatory for Employers)

Since 2023, Workforce Insurance (replacing WPS) covers:

 

Injury Type	Compensation
Death	Up to AED 200,000 to legal heirs
Total Disability	Up to AED 200,000
Partial Disability	Percentage-based (e.g., 20% disability = AED 40,000)
Medical Expenses	Full coverage for treatment

 

7. Employer Liability (If Uninsured)

If the employer fails to provide insurance, they must pay:

§  Death / Total Disability: 3 years’ salary as compensation.

§  Medical Bills + Sick Leave Pay:

o   Full salary for the first 15 days.

o   Half salary for up to 180 days (or until recovery).

 

Step 4: Dispute Resolution & Legal Action

8. Escalate to MOHRE (If Employer Refuses to Cooperate)

§  File a complaint via:

o   MOHRE Website (www.mohre.gov.ae)

o   Hotline: 600 665 555

§  MOHRE mediates within 15 days.

9. Labor Court Case (If Mediation Fails)

§  File a lawsuit at the Dubai Labor Court.

§  Fees: ~3.5% of the claimed amount.

 

Key Deadlines for Claims

Case Type	Time Limit to Claim
Work Injury	6 months from accident date
Fatal Accidents	1 year from death date

 

Required Documents for Claims

§  Copy of employment contract

§  Medical reports (translated to Arabic if required)

§  Police report (if negligence is involved)

§  Witness statements (colleagues, CCTV footage)

 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violation	Fine / Consequence
Employer fails to report accident	Up to AED 50,000
No Workforce Insurance	AED 10,000 fine + full compensation liability
Worker delays reporting (>48 hrs)	Loss of legal rights

 

HR Department’s Legal Responsibilities

1. Immediate Response: Provide first aid and arrange medical care.
2. MOHRE Notification: Submit Form No. (1) within 5 days.
3. Insurance Claim: File with Workforce Insurance provider.
4. Employee Support: Ensure salary continuity during sick leave.
5. Internal Investigation: Identify safety violations to prevent future accidents.

Exclusions (Not Covered by Insurance)

§  Self-inflicted injuries

§  Accidents under intoxication

§  Injuries during unauthorized leave

 

Pro Tips for Employees & Employers

✔ Employees: Consult a UAE labor lawyer if the employer disputes liability (many offer free consultations).
✔ Employers: Conduct monthly safety trainings to reduce accidents and maintain compliance records.

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding UAE workplace accident laws ensures fair compensation and legal protection for employees while helping employers avoid penalties. Always act swiftly, document everything, and seek legal advice if disputes arise.

Need Help? Contact MOHRE (600 665 555) or a labor lawyer for personalized guidance.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For legal advice, consult a UAE labor law expert.

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