Workplace injuries are more common than we’d like to think. In Egypt, when an accident happens on the job, it’s essential to know your rights and what steps to take to ensure fair treatment.
Thankfully, the law offers protections for workers. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to do after an injury, from immediate actions to long-term protection.
You’re Legally Entitled to Medical Care If You’re a Registered Worker in Egypt
Workers are entitled to medical care for injuries sustained while on the job, but there are a few details to keep in mind.
For starters, the law applies to employees working for others, such as civil servants in government agencies, public bodies, and the public sector. This includes both permanent, temporary, and seasonal workers, provided they are employed legally.
It also covers:
- Workers under 18
- Apprentices and industrial trainees
- Students working during school breaks
- Individuals who begin working after retirement age
However, these last four groups are not entitled to pension or disability benefits. Plus, the law applies to both Egyptian nationals and foreign workers, provided they are legally employed in Egypt.
It also covers workers in private sector companies subject to the labor law, with the exception of certain workers like those in construction, loading/unloading, fishing, land transport, and domestic service, unless specified by the law’s executive regulations.
Work Injuries Include Commutes and Occupational Hazards—Not Just On-Site Accidents
It’s not just what happens at your desk or on a construction site. The law gives a wide definition of work injuries, and that works in your favor.
You’re covered if:
- The accident happens while doing your job or because of it.
- You’re injured on your way to or from work, as long as you didn’t deviate from the usual route or stop along the way.
- You develop a condition from exposure to specific occupational hazards, such as diseases from chemicals, noise, or repetitive motion.
Even if the injury seems unrelated at first glance, it may still count if it ties back to your work routine or environment.
Your Employer Must File the Injury Report to Activate Insurance Coverage
Your employer is responsible for reporting the injury to the Social Insurance Office, the labor office, and the medical authority handling your case. The paperwork starts there, and it’s what enables you to receive ongoing treatment and financial support.
Besides that, if you’re injured at work, the very first step is to seek immediate medical attention if necessary. Even if the injury seems small, it’s better to be safe—and covered—than sorry.
Once you get to a hospital or clinic, let them know it happened at work. That ensures the correct paperwork is filed and your care is covered. You should ideally go to one of the designated insurance hospitals or centers, which are specifically set up for handling workplace injury cases.
You Get 100% Wage Coverage and Free Medical Care Until You Recover
Under Egypt’s Social Insurance and Pensions Law No. 148 of 2019, if you’re injured on the job, you’re not left to fend for yourself. The law guarantees full medical care at no cost through the work injury insurance system.
This includes everything from hospital visits and surgeries to rehab, medication, and prosthetics, ensuring you’re medically supported throughout your recovery.
As for your wages, you’re covered there, too. Once your injury is confirmed as work-related, you receive your full wage (100%) during the period you’re unable to work due to the injury, as per Article 49 of the law.
This is not a short-term benefit and should last as long as the injury prevents you from working, until you’re either fully recovered or permanently disabled.
Besides that, your employer is legally obligated to cover the cost of your transport to the medical facility, and you’re also entitled to reimbursement for travel costs, especially if specialized treatment is outside your city or requires private transport, based on your doctor’s recommendation.
Finally, the injury doesn’t have to be a one-time event—relapses or complications related to your original injury are still considered part of the same work injury and qualify for continued support.
Serious Injuries Can Mean a Disability Pension or Lifelong Compensation
Sometimes, injuries don’t fully heal. If your condition keeps you from returning to work, you may be eligible for additional benefits, like a disability pension. This is determined by an official medical committee, which assesses your ability to work and the severity of your condition.
However, if the injury results in death or a lasting impairment, the compensation follows formulas laid out in the law. These vary depending on how serious the disability is and how much it impacts your earning capacity.
For instance, if the injury results in a 35% permanent disability, the worker is entitled to a lump-sum compensation equal to 4 years’ worth of their pension, calculated at 80% of their wage.
Be Informed and Prepared
Getting injured at work can feel overwhelming, but Egypt’s legal system has protections in place. The key is acting quickly: get medical help, report the injury, and make sure your employer submits the necessary forms.
From there, treatment, wage coverage, and compensation can follow, without added stress on your end. Knowing these rules isn’t just helpful—it’s how you protect your rights.
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