MUSCAT — Oman’s Social Protection Fund has issued new regulations governing occupational injuries and diseases, detailing coverage criteria, reporting procedures, compensation mechanisms and disability assessments, under Decision No. 1/2026.

The regulation applies to work-related injuries that occurred before the law came into force if the injured person’s condition had not yet stabilised. It does not apply to injuries that had already stabilised prior to enforcement, even if compensation procedures were delayed. Occupational diseases diagnosed before an insured person became subject to the occupational injury and disease insurance branch are also excluded.

Under the decision, work-related injuries are broadly defined to include occupational diseases listed in an approved annex, injuries resulting from work-related stress and fatigue, relapses or complications arising from previous work injuries, and accidents occurring during or because of work, whether inside or outside Oman. The regulation also covers injuries leading to total disability or death resulting from accidents during direct travel between an insured person’s residence and workplace, subject to specific conditions.

For commuting accidents to be recognised as work-related, the journey must be direct, follow the usual route, involve no unjustified deviation, and take place within the normal travel time between the two locations.

The regulation introduces detailed criteria for recognising injuries caused by stress and fatigue from work. Such injuries must have a direct causal link to the work environment, show a clear negative impact on job performance supported by reliable medical reports, and result from long or irregular working hours or excessive work pressure in violation of labour laws. Employers’ failure to provide adequate preventive and precautionary measures is also taken into account. Diagnosis must be made by occupational health specialists based on approved medical standards.

Heart or brain artery occlusion or bleeding may be considered a work-related injury if strict conditions are met, including proof that the condition resulted from work requiring additional effort beyond normal levels, a direct medical link between stress and the condition, sufficient duration of stress or fatigue, acute pathological signs requiring emergency intervention, and confirmation that the condition is not a complication or relapse of a prior illness.

Occupational diseases must be confirmed through specialist medical reports, with symptoms and diagnostic tests consistent with recognised health effects of occupational exposure. Clear evidence of exposure is required, including medical history, assessment of the work environment, biological monitoring or periodic medical examinations, and records of repeated exposure incidents. The exposure must precede the onset of symptoms, and the time period between exposure and illness must be medically sufficient. Suspected cases are referred to occupational disease specialists, and the Fund may seek assistance from other competent authorities.

The regulation also sets out strict reporting obligations. Insured persons must notify their employer on the same day a work injury occurs or an occupational disease is diagnosed, if their health condition allows. Employers are deemed to have been notified in cases such as death at the workplace, treatment or first aid provided at work, or if the employer becomes aware of the incident from any source.

Employers must notify SPF of a work injury within five days of becoming aware of it, and of an occupational disease or suspected disease within 14 days. Employers are required to provide first aid and arrange transfer to the designated treatment facility or the nearest government health institution. Insured persons may report directly to the Fund if the employer ceases operations, is declared bankrupt or liquidated, refuses to report, or fails to notify the Fund within 30 days.

Under the decision, employers who delay reporting are liable to bear compensation costs and face administrative penalties. The Fund may impose a fine of RO 10 for every 30 days of delay in reporting a work injury or occupational disease.

The regulation further details medical referrals, rehabilitation services, treatment abroad and appeals before the Medical Grievances Committee. Disability percentages are to be determined by licensed health institutions or the Medical Grievances Committee, in line with an official disability guide. Assessments will take into account the insured person’s ability to earn, age, profession, health condition and physical and mental capabilities, with additional consideration given where a disability has a specific impact on the person’s original occupation.

The new framework aims to standardise the handling of occupational injuries and diseases, strengthen worker protection and clarify employer responsibilities under Oman’s social protection system.