Government Accords Legal Recognition to Occupational Diseases for the First Time, Ensuring Workers’ Medical Relief

For the first time, the Government of Nepal has accorded legal recognition to a range of work-related illnesses as "occupational diseases," providing workers with legal entitlements to treatment and compensation.

The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, exercising the authority granted under the Labour Regulations, 2018, has included 70 types of illnesses in the official list of occupational diseases and published the decision in the Nepal Gazette.

With this move, illnesses contracted due to workplace risks will now be legally recognized as occupational diseases, entitling affected workers to treatment and compensation as per the law. The ministry has classified the listed diseases into several categories including those caused by chemical, physical, or biological agents; illnesses affecting specific organ systems such as the respiratory system, skin, musculoskeletal structure, and mental health; and various forms of occupational cancer.

For the first time, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by severe workplace trauma has been legally recognized as an occupational disease. Occupational cancers linked to exposure to asbestos, benzene, coal tar, ionizing radiation, and wood dust have also been included in the list.

Benefits for Workers
According to Joint Secretary Pradeep Kumar Koirala, Section 82 of the Labour Act, 2017, clearly outlines special provisions for the treatment of occupational diseases. “If a worker contracts an officially recognized occupational disease while employed at an establishment, the employer must bear all treatment costs,” Koirala said.

If treatment is not possible, employers must provide compensation to the affected worker as prescribed. In the case of establishments registered under the Social Security Fund (SSF), most expenses will be covered by the fund. Under the Social Security Scheme Procedures, 2018, benefits for occupational diseases begin two years after contributions to the occupational disease facility start, while accident coverage begins from the date of contribution.

Medical, health, and maternity protection benefits are available after at least three months of contributions. The accident protection scheme under the SSF applies from the first day of contribution.

Reactions from Trade Unions and the Private Sector
Nepal Trade Union Congress President Yogendra Kumar Kunwar welcomed the decision, calling it a response to long-standing demands. “Occupational diseases had not been properly identified. This is a step forward, but we need trained doctors to diagnose such conditions and ensure proper treatment facilities,” he said, stressing the need for stronger government commitment to protect workers’ lives.

Confederation of Nepalese Industries President Birendra Raj Pandey said the policy is positive but should be implemented in phases. “This is new in Nepal’s context, and the government’s approach is commendable,” he noted. “However, it must be proven that the illness was caused by the industry. The government should establish clear criteria for this.”

Pandey added that while there would be no issues for workplaces registered with the SSF, the government should introduce long-term insurance policies for workers in unregistered establishments to mitigate risks.