Every year, thousands of Malaysians are injured in work related accidents. Whether the injury is as minor as a dislocating finger or is permanently disabling, a worker is entitled by law to receive compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s actions or negligence. Workers’ compensations laws require most employers to buy accident insurance to cover medical expenses and to compensate injured workers for lost wages. In return, employers are assured that an employee whos suffers an injury will not be allowed to sue.

Self-employed workers are excluded from coverage, however, as are many farm workers, household workers, volunteers, employees of companies with a limited number of workers, and employees of non-profit organisations. If your job is not subject to worker’s compensation laws, you should buy a disability insurance policy to provide income in case you are unable to work.

If you should happen to be injured on the job, notify your employer immediately. Notification will help to protect your legal rights and will also protect other employees from a potentially dangerous condition. If your employer does not respond, seek legal advice.