Spine-chilling revelation: Workers hurt themselves to get leave, compensation

JEDDAH: Some workers are seeking sick leave and worker’s compensation by fracturing their hands and feet, according to a local media report.
The workers, who use drugs to relieve the pain, often carry out these bizarre acts during Ramadan or other public holidays, so that they can get off for up to 90 days, according to the publication, which published screen grabs of videos showing this self-mutilation.
Mohammed Khashab, an orthopedic surgeon, said these repeated fractures were dangerous and could lead to health complications. “These fractures can cause infections around the broken bones, which may lead to surgical intervention and possible deformities. It may also cause some rare complications needing amputation,” he was quoted as saying.
“Fractures have long-term repercussions, such as the possible inability to do simple daily tasks such as eating or writing, not to mention problems for people using computers, playing music and drawing.” He said that sick leaves range from six to 12 weeks.
Jamal Tuwairqi, a psychologist, said these people have behavioral disorders, displaying psychopathic criminal behavior, with a tendency toward violence. They had no sense of what constitutes proper behavior because they posted videos of this mutilation on social media sites. Those aiding them should be arrested and punished, he said.
Mohammed Al-Zubaidi, a self-development coach and personality analyst, said it was clear that they did not value their jobs and salaries. “These individuals clearly believe that breaking their limbs is a plausible price to pay to receive workers’ compensation. I would not consider these individuals as patients with mental conditions or illnesses. They simply have a different value system that was the result of their own experiences, environment and childhood,” Al-Zubaidi said.