Legal Compensation for Injuries in Contracting and Construction Projects in Bahrain

In Bahrain’s construction and contracting sectors, workplace injuries are a serious risk due to the nature of high-risk tasks such as working at heights, handling heavy machinery, and operating in hazardous environments.

Bahraini law provides clear legal protections for injured workers, ensuring they receive medical care, wage compensation, and, where applicable, disability or death benefits.

This blog explains how legal compensation works for workplace injuries in contracting and construction projects, and the steps workers should take to protect their rights.

Employer’s Legal Obligations After a Workplace Injury

Under Bahraini labour and occupational safety laws, employers must:

Provide Immediate Medical Care
- Cover all medical treatment costs, including hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation.
Report the Injury
- Notify the Ministry of Labour and relevant insurance providers promptly.
Compensate the Worker
- Pay compensation for temporary or permanent disability.
- Continue paying wages during the legally prescribed recovery period.

Types of Compensation Available

Workers injured in contracting or construction projects may be entitled to:

Medical Expenses: Full coverage of treatment costs.
Wage Compensation: Payment during time away from work due to injury.
Disability Compensation: Financial payment for partial or total disability based on severity.
Death Benefits: For dependents if a workplace accident results in death.

How Compensation Amount is Determined

Factors that influence the compensation include:

Severity and permanence of the injury.
The worker’s salary and position.
Whether negligence played a role (employer or third party).
Applicable insurance policy terms.

Legal Protections for Workers

Employers cannot terminate a worker’s contract while they are recovering from an injury sustained at work.
Workers are entitled to full compensation regardless of fault, unless the injury occurred due to gross misconduct (e.g., intentional violation of safety rules).
In cases of employer negligence, workers may pursue additional civil claims.

Labour Lawyers in Bahrain handling employment disputes.

Example:

A crane operator in Bahrain suffered a back injury when a load was improperly secured by another team. The employer covered medical costs and paid three months’ wages during recovery. Upon legal review, the worker was also awarded partial disability compensation, as the injury reduced his ability to perform heavy lifting tasks in the future.

Best Practices for Injured Workers