ABSTRACT
Decent and safe working conditions and non-discrimination are central policy concerns. If any worker is seriously injured at work, the least she/he can expect to receive is compensation for the lost salary. This chapter reviews studies on target achievement indicators regarding the frequency of occupational injuries and equal compensation for occupational disorders, particularly for migrant workers. Migrant workers often work in sectors with potentially harmful exposure and are employed in low-wage occupations with long working hours. The reported prevalence of occupational injuries varies among studies, is alarmingly high and is most probably underestimated due to underreporting. The studies covered herein present a picture of the inequality in the compensation process. Migrants are less able to claim their rights, and a gender gap is evident. Individuals with such background are exposed to more dangerous conditions and receive less or no compensation. The chapter ends with a critical analysis and suggests important critical interventions and policy recommendations: (1) the need for novel measures and methodology for survey and assessment; (2) more comprehensive data analysis for reliable assessments; (3) better follow-up to determine if the right to compensation has been realised; (4) comprehensive preventive and supportive measures at the organisational level; (5) broadened understanding of wider systems theory and institutional perspectives in these matters; and (7) the education of future and current stakeholders.
