Work-related injuries in Lebanon: does nationality make a difference?

To compare the type, severity, cause, and cost of work-related injuries between Lebanese and non-Lebanese workers in insured workplaces in Lebanon.

A total of 4,186 claims and medical reports for 3,748 work-related injuries filed in 1998 at five major insurance companies were reviewed.

Non-Lebanese workers (46%) were younger (29 vs. 31 years), belonged mainly to the construction sector (62% vs. 29%), and were paid less (365 dollars vs. 438 dollars/month) than Lebanese workers. Non-Lebanese construction workers reported more feet and eye injuries. Falls were more common among Lebanese workers while non-Lebanese workers commonly reported being struck by an object. No differences were noted in the severity of injuries (workdays lost; hospitalization) between the two groups, but, overall cost per injury was higher among the Lebanese workers.

There were no salient differences between Lebanese and non-Lebanese workers regarding severity of work injuries, which may reflect the disparity in access to the Lebanese heath care system by nationality. Syrian migrant workers appear to represent a special group in Lebanon. Additional, in-depth analysis of the social, political, and workplace mechanisms leading to work injuries is recommended.