Explained: How workers in Oman will benefit from regulations on work-related injuries

The Social Protection Fund (SPF) on Monday announced the Regulation on Work-related Injuries and Occupational Diseases, approved by the SPF’s Board of Directors, as part of the implementation of the Social Protection Law, aimed at setting a framework for managing the work-related injuries and occupational diseases insurance.

This insurance scheme forms part of the broader social insurance system established under the Social Protection Law, aiming to provide comprehensive protection for insured individuals, safeguard workers’ rights, enhance occupational safety standards, and strengthen partnership among employees, employers, and SPF, thereby contributing to sustainable social and economic outcomes.

SPF clarified that the provisions of the Work-related injuries and Occupational Diseases Insurance scheme apply mandatorily to all Omani workers in the Sultanate of Oman, covering various forms of employment, including temporary contracts, training contracts, and part-time work, in addition to retired working employees. The application of the scheme to self-employed Omanis will come into effect on a date to be determined by a decision of the SPF’s Board of Directors.

Regarding non-Omani workers, the SPF stated that coverage will be applied in accordance with categories and conditions to be specified by a Board decision, following the timeframes stipulated by the law and its regulations.

Employers are required to pay monthly contributions amounting to 1% of ⁠insured contribution wage OR employee’s contribution wage for the work-related Injuries and Occupational Diseases Insurance Scheme, in line with the provisions of the Social Protection Law.

The scheme provides a comprehensive insurance umbrella that includes work interruption allowance, occupational disability, and death pensions resulting from work-related injuries or occupational diseases, in accordance with approved regulations and standards.

In this context, Shamsa bint Hamdan al Tammimi, Director of Medical Affairs at the Directorate of Work Injuries and Occupational Diseases at the Social Protection Fund, explained that the regulation was issued pursuant to the Social Protection Law promulgated by Royal Decree No. 52/2023.
She noted that the regulation represents an extension of the social and insurance protection framework for workers across all sectors, ensuring insurance coverage for all Omani employees against risks they may encounter during the course of their work.

She said that a work-related injury is defined as any injury sustained during work or while performing job-related duties, whether within or outside the workplace, provided that the injury is linked to the employee’s work. The definition also includes injuries sustained while commuting to or from work, as well as any relapse or complication arising from a previous work injury. Injuries resulting from work-related exhaustion or physical strain are likewise classified as work injuries under the regulation.

Al Tammimi clarified that the regulation distinguishes between work-related injuries and occupational diseases. While work-related injuries are typically caused by accidents and may result in disability or death, occupational diseases arise from prolonged and repeated exposure to hazardous factors in the workplace.
She cited prolonged exposure to high noise levels in industrial environments, which may lead to hearing impairment, as an example of an occupational disease, provided that the prescribed conditions are met.

She highlighted that the regulation takes into account psychological as well as physical health. Certain work-related psychological conditions resulting from excessive stress or exhaustion may be recognised as work injuries, subject to investigation and verification of a causal link between the condition, the work environment, and job performance. Such cases rely on certified medical reports and may include serious conditions such as heart or brain artery blockages resulting from prolonged work-related stress and irregular working hours that contravene labour regulations.

With regard to reporting procedures, Al Tammimi said that employers are primarily responsible for reporting work-related injuries within five days of their occurrence. Occupational diseases must be reported within 15 days from the date the employer becomes aware of, or suspects, the disease.
Reporting is conducted through the Social Protection Fund’s electronic services, which are available continuously. In specific cases, employees or concerned parties may submit reports on behalf of the employer in accordance with defined procedures.

She outlined four main benefits provided under the insurance scheme.
The first is the work interruption allowance, a daily benefit paid at 100% of the insured's contribution wage during the first six months following the injury, and at 75% thereafter if the interruption from work continues beyond six months.

In cases where a work-related injury or occupational disease results in occupational disability, the degree of disability is assessed by specialised medical committees. If the disability rate is less than 30%, the insured is entitled to a lump-sum compensation.
If the disability reaches 30% but does not amount to total disability, the insured becomes eligible for a permanent partial disability pension, payable monthly, with the right to combine the pension with earned wages. In cases of total disability, a monthly pension amounting to 75% of the insured relative's average wage.

Al Tammimi noted that all benefits and pensions under this scheme are funded through employer contributions of 1% per employee per month, with no financial burden placed on employees. She emphasised that these contributions are not new, having already been implemented since 2024.

She concluded by affirming that the regulation covers all Omani workers across all sectors, including those on temporary contracts and retired working employees, and represents a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety and strengthening the social protection system in the Sultanate.