Occupational Health in Kuwait
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Kuwait's Labour Law and MOH regulations require employers to protect worker health, particularly in the oil, gas, and construction sectors that employ large numbers of expatriates:
- 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 PAM within 48 hours.
- The employer is responsible for all medical costs related to workplace injuries — treatment, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and ongoing care.
- If a workplace injury causes permanent disability, compensation is calculated based on the percentage of disability as assessed by an MOH medical committee.
- 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 work environment — first aid kits, ventilation, safety equipment, and hygiene facilities are mandatory. PAM conducts workplace inspections.
- The summer outdoor work ban (June-August, 11 AM to 4 PM) is enforced by PAM to prevent heat-related illness and death.
When does it apply?
- You were injured at work or developed a health condition due to your employment (heat stress, chemical exposure, repetitive strain).
- Your employer is refusing to cover work-related medical treatment or denying the injury was work-related.
- You work in a hazardous occupation (construction, oil and gas, chemicals, heavy industry) and want to know your health protections.
What to Do If You Are Injured at Work and Your Employer Refuses to Pay
- Report any workplace injury to your employer immediately — both verbally and in writing. Ask a colleague to witness the report.
- Seek medical treatment and make sure the doctor documents it as a work-related injury in the medical records.
- If your employer refuses to cover medical costs, file a complaint with PAM — they can compel the employer to pay.
- For permanent disability, apply for a disability assessment through an MOH medical committee to determine your compensation percentage.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not delay reporting workplace injuries — the 48-hour reporting window is critical for your compensation claim.
- Do not pay for work-related medical treatment yourself — this is your employer's legal obligation under the Labour Law.
- Do not return to work before you are medically cleared — working while injured can worsen your condition and weaken your compensation claim.
Common Questions
When does it apply — occupational health?
You were injured at work or developed a health condition due to your employment (heat stress, chemical exposure, repetitive strain).Your employer is refusing to cover work-related medical treatment or denying the injury was work-related.You work in a hazardous occupation (construction, oil and gas, chemicals, heavy industry) and want to know your health protections.
What should I do if my employer in Kuwait is refusing to cover my work-related injury medical costs?
Report any workplace injury to your employer immediately — both verbally and in writing. Ask a colleague to witness the report.Seek medical treatment and make sure the doctor documents it as a work-related injury in the medical records.If your employer refuses to cover medical costs, file a complaint with PAM — they can compel the employer to pay.For permanent disability, apply for a disability assessment through an MOH medical committee to determine your compensation percentage.
What should you NOT do — occupational health?
Do not delay reporting workplace injuries — the 48-hour reporting window is critical for your compensation claim.Do not pay for work-related medical treatment yourself — this is your employer's legal obligation under the Labour Law.Do not return to work before you are medically cleared — working while injured can worsen your condition and weaken your compensation claim.