(5 min read)
Employers with employees insured under the Social Protection Fund should be aware that the new Regulation on Occupational Injuries and Diseases introduces strict reporting deadlines, wider coverage of workplace incidents and financial exposure for non-compliance. Employers should update internal reporting procedures meet statutory timelines, train HR and HSE teams on the new requirements, and maintain clear documentation to mitigate risk.
Effective 26 January 2026, the Oman Social Protection Fund has issued Decision No. 1/2026, introducing a new Regulation on Occupational Injuries and Diseases (the Regulation).
This forms part of the wider reforms under the Social Protection Law (Royal Decree 52/2023) and significantly strengthens employer obligations in relation to workplace injuries, occupational diseases, and reporting requirements.
Scope – Who is covered?
The Regulation applies only to employees who are insured with the Social Protection Fund.
Currently, this covers Omani nationals. Non-Omani employees are not yet included within this regime and remain subject to separate legal provisions and employer obligations.
Employers with mixed workforces should therefore ensure they are applying the correct framework to each category of employee.
Key takeaways for employers
1. Strict reporting deadlines
Employers must notify the Social Protection Fund (the Fund) within:
- 5 days of becoming aware of a work injury
- 14 days of becoming aware or suspecting an occupational disease
Employees must notify the Fund within:
- 5 days of any relapse or complication
Failure to report allows employees to notify the Fund directly and may expose employers to penalties.
2. Expanded scope of coverage
The Regulation applies broadly to:
- Workplace injuries and accidents
- Occupational diseases (as listed in the Annex)
- Work-related travel accidents (subject to strict conditions)
- Relapses or complications from prior work injuries
3. Increased employer liability
Employers may face additional costs where:
- Notification is delayed by more than one year (full costs of treatment, rehabilitation, and related benefits may be imposed); or
- The injury arises from a breach of health and safety obligations
Administrative fines of OMR 10 per 30 days of delay apply for late reporting.
4. Immediate medical and operational obligations
Employers must:
- Provide immediate first aid
- Arrange prompt transfer to an approved medical facility
- Maintain detailed records of incidents, risks, and preventive measures and
- Cooperate fully with Fund investigations
5. Assessment and dispute framework
- Disability assessments are conducted by licensed medical providers or a Medical Grievance Committee
- Employees may appeal Fund decisions within 60 days
- Medical determinations are ultimately final
What employers should do now
Employers in Oman should take immediate steps to:
- Review and update incident reporting procedures to meet statutory deadlines
- Train HR and HSE teams on the new requirements
- Audit workplace health and safety compliance to mitigate exposure
- Maintain robust documentation of incidents and preventive measures and
- Engage occupational health expertise where appropriate
Why this matters
The Regulation introduces stricter enforcement, broader coverage, and financial exposure for employers. Compliance requires proactive risk management and systems readiness.
How we can help
If you would like support in reviewing your policies, conducting a compliance audit, or implementing reporting frameworks aligned with the new Regulation, please get in touch with our team.
