The Labour Relations Authority (LRA) has introduced a new set of “Workplace Safety and Health Regulations” that define minimum compensation levels for individuals who suffer injuries, disabilities, or fatalities due to workplace incidents. The regulations are aimed at improving workplace safety and establishing clear guidelines for compensation in the unfortunate event of work-related accidents.
Under these new regulations, employers are obligated to provide compensation to workers injured or killed during the course of their employment. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages during treatment, and damages related to permanent disabilities or fatalities.
For workers who sustain injuries resulting in temporary or permanent disabilities, the compensation framework offers substantial support. Permanent disability compensation is calculated over a minimum period of ten years, with amounts ranging from MVR 1,260,000 (USD 82,034) to MVR 19,000,000 (USD 1.2 million), depending on the severity of the disability. Employers are also mandated to provide appropriate medical treatment to assist the worker’s recovery. Compensation for lost wages during the recovery period can be claimed upon submission of a leave certificate from a registered healthcare provider.
In cases where workers tragically lose their lives as a result of workplace incidents, the deceased’s heirs are entitled to claim compensation. For incidents where no contractor negligence is involved, the heirs can claim a minimum compensation of MVR 500,000 (USD 32,553). However, in cases where contractor negligence is proven, this amount doubles to MVR 1,000,000 (USD 65,106). Additionally, fatalities that are directly linked to job-related activities will result in a minimum compensation of MVR 1,460,000 (USD 95,056), with the maximum compensation capped at MVR 15,400,000 (USD 1 million).
The regulations further require contractors to assist in the process of filing compensation claims, ensuring that the heirs of deceased workers or those injured on the job have proper access to the compensation they are entitled to.
These new regulations are set to provide stronger protections for workers across various industries, ensuring that both injuries and fatalities resulting from work-related activities are properly compensated.
