The provision of health insurance for workplace injuries is currently being studied in Abu Dhabi, according to media reports.
The system will be developed by the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Centre (Oshad) and will be implemented in collaboration with the relevant authorities, such as the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), reported Gulf News.
According to Oshad, occupational health and safety includes procedures that must be taken by employers to prevent injuries and deaths on the job.
Injuries are currently the second leading cause of death in the Emirate, after cardiovascular disease. In 2013, 109 cases of occupational injuries resulting in death were recorded by HAAD.
Among the occupational deaths in 2013, 42% occurred due to falls and falling objects, 30% were from road traffic incidents, 6% from suffocation, 5% from electrical mishaps, 3% from burns and fire-related accidents, and 1% from drowning.
The current mandatory health insurance system in Abu Dhabi does not cover these worksite injuries. As a result, employers are responsible for ensuring treatment and care in case of occupational accidents. While a number of insurance packages are offered on the market, the insurance is optional for employers.
Oshad said a number of challenges are holding back the development of an effective occupational safety and health ecosystem, including a lack of data on actual incidents, language barriers between many employers and their employees, and differing perceptions on what is considered a workplace risk.
Oshad is therefore launching a variety of awareness campaigns to tackle these concerns and reduce workplace accidents in coordination with employers and sector regulators. A total of 66 workshops have been organised over the last five years to ensure that public and private sector entities comply with Oshad regulations.