Occupational Health
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.
Kuwaiti National Law
What is this right?
Kuwait law requires employers to protect workers' health and provide medical care for work-related injuries:
- Employers must provide pre-employment medical examinations and periodic health checks for workers in hazardous occupations.
- Work-related injuries and occupational diseases must be reported to MSAL within 48 hours.
- The employer is responsible for all medical costs related to workplace injuries, including treatment, rehabilitation, and prosthetics.
- If a workplace injury causes permanent disability, the worker is entitled to compensation based on the percentage of disability.
- In case of death from a workplace accident, the worker's family receives compensation equivalent to 1,500 days of the worker's pay.
- Employers must maintain a safe and healthy work environment — first aid kits, ventilation, and hygiene facilities are mandatory.
When does it apply?
- You were injured at work or developed a health condition due to your job.
- Your employer is not providing a safe work environment or refusing to pay for work-related medical treatment.
- You work in a hazardous occupation (construction, chemicals, oil and gas) and want to know your health protections.
What should you do?
- Report any workplace injury to your employer immediately — verbal and written.
- Seek medical treatment and make sure the doctor records it as a work-related injury.
- If your employer refuses to cover medical costs, file a complaint with MSAL.
- For permanent disability, apply for a disability assessment through the MOH to determine your compensation.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not delay reporting workplace injuries — the 48-hour reporting window is important for your claim.
- Do not pay for work-related medical treatment yourself — this is your employer's legal obligation.
- Do not return to work before you are medically cleared — this protects both your health and your compensation rights.
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