DAMMAM: Occupational diseases are no longer physical in nature, but also extend to psychological injuries of workers that result in imbalances in their nervous systems, thus affecting their job opportunities and decreasing their capabilities and skills, a study has found.

The study, “The plaintiffs’ compensation right on occupational injuries and diseases in companies operating in the Kingdom,” was conducted by Sulaiman Al-Ghazi.

It revealed that some workers in the field of manufacturing are subject to injuries and illnesses that were not known before, especially professional companies’ workers; these are called occupational diseases.

“Although the work system in the Kingdom covers in some of its articles issues related to the protection of workers in these companies, protection is still under consideration, particularly since business owners may prefer increasing profits to provide the necessary protection for workers from these dangers, and may also take advantage of the workers’ ignorance about compensation for such damage.” the study said.

According to the study, the current compensation for work-related injuries and occupational diseases is not commensurate with the extent of the damage suffered by the workers.

Al-Ghazi said: “Despite the ideality of laws in this context, many workers do not claim compensations … (they) are just satisfied with the small compensation paid by the employer for fear of dismissal.”

The study revealed that a large number of workers who demand compensation do not get it, except after great hardships and expenses, which puts pressure on the worker and calls for treatment.

The study recommended a number of actions needed to protect laborers when exposed to diseases and occupational injuries, including setting a minimum wage, transferring social insurance fund participation from the employer to the worker and obliging companies to pay risk allowance in dangerous places and professions.

The researcher said companies should be forced to compensate the worker if the injury or occupational disease is caused by a lack of commitment to occupational safety and health. “This should be in addition to insurance, calling for further specialized studies in the areas of protection of workers from work risks,” he added.