Compulsory compensation
Dear Sir,
In reference to the report “Call for providing insurance to small firms’ workers”, (Gulf Times, March 9), one must realise that Qatar’a Labour Law is quite clear that in the event of any injury to or death of workers, the employer is liable to pay compensation based on the decision of the relevant committee at the Supreme Council of Health, irrespective of the fact that they are insured or not. The employer shall not be exempted from such liabilities in the absence of workmen’s compensation insurance policies.
Since workmen’s compensation insurance is not mandatory in Qatar, some employers fail to do that, either feeling that “nothing is going to happen as our workplace is not risky” or out of the habitual ignorance of all types of risks. Workmen’s compensation insurance is a requirement for labourers to access major worksites and as a contractual requirement for all types of project works.
Insurance is the facility for risk transfer and “no insurance” is not an excuse for non-payment of genuine and legal liabilities by any employer. Insurance guarantees the employee’s legal rights in the event of worksite accidents. When there is no insurance, either an “amicable” settlement for a mutually-agreed sum is often entered into or a deal is signed by the worker under pressure for a relatively low amount instead of his rightful award. If there is no insurance, helpless expatriate employees are also quickly repatriated to their home countries by some hard-hearted employers.
It has been noticed that in the event of work accidents, some expatriate workers would actually prefer to go home, if they are fit to travel, because of the family support. By opting for this, they lose out on the excellent medical treatment offered in Qatar. At the same time,
the treatment at home may be far too expensive and the chance of getting any compensation from the employer out of question.
This will make the employer happy in case of no insurance as he doesn’t have to pay anything at all.
In view of the prevailing circumstances, the cited examples in the Gulf Times report and in general terms, rules on the workmen’s compensation should be compulsorily followed at major sites.
K K Nazimudeen, PO Box No 441, Doha
Timely idea
Dear Sir,
In reference to the letter, “Time for trading” ( Gulf Times, March 10), the idea seems to have endless possibilities. And time is endless so everyone can trade in it. We have enough time on our hands. There is a right time for every initiative!
NC, (Full name and e-mail address supplied)
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