Guide to Handling Work Injuries (Part 1): Employer Responsibilities and Compensation

Foreign domestic helpers play an important role in many Hong Kong households, helping with cooking, cleaning, childcare, and elderly care. But what happens if your helper gets injured at work or suffers from a work-related illness? As an employer, do you know what your legal responsibilities are?

This article explains the basic rules under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, so you can handle work injury cases properly and avoid legal or financial risks.

What are the employer’s responsibilities if a helper gets injured?

According to Hong Kong’s Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, if the foreign domestic helper is injured or dies due to a work-related accident, employers are generally responsible for paying compensation. This applies even if the injury was caused by the helper’s own carelessness.

Common examples of work-related injuries include:

• Falling while cleaning windows

• Back injuries from lifting heavy items

• Burns or cuts while cooking

• Long-term pain or injuries (e.g. tendonitis, back pain) from repeated household tasks

If a work injury happens, the helper should inform the employer as soon as possible. Then, as the employer, you must report the case to the Labour Department within 14 days (or within 7 days if the accident caused death).

What does the compensation cover?

Compensation for work injuries may include:

• Loss of income due to temporary or permanent disability

• Medical treatment, hospitalization, and rehabilitation costs

• Funeral expenses and compensation to the family in case of death

• Coverage for specific occupational diseases listed under Schedule 2(Link) of the Ordinance

However, the employer does not need to pay compensation in the following cases:

• Minor injuries that don’t affect the helper’s ability to work

• The helper intentionally injures themselves

• The helper gave false information about their health

• The injury was caused by alcohol or drug use and is not fatal or permanently disabling

Are occupational diseases covered too?

Yes. If your helper develops an occupational disease (e.g. skin disease, respiratory illness, or repetitive strain injury) from doing the same type of work over time, they are also entitled to compensation under the Ordinance.

Helpers should see a doctor as soon as they notice symptoms and clearly explain their job duties to help the doctor make a proper diagnosis.

How can domestic helper insurance help?

Although the law says employers must pay compensation, medical and rehab costs can be very expensive, sometimes tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars. That’s where domestic helper insurance can be very useful.

A comprehensive insurance plan usually covers:

• Employer’s liability under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance

• Helper’s hospitalization and clinical cost

• Accidental death or disability compensation

• Third-party liability

• Repatriation costs (e.g. return airfare if needed)

Some plans also include " Loss of Service Cash Subsidy ", giving you daily cash benefits if your helper can’t work due to injury and you need to hire temporary help.

Quick tips for employers

• Understand the risks of daily tasks, such as window cleaning and provide the right equipment

• For high-risk jobs, consider a medical check-up before employment (paid by employer)

• In case of an accident, stay calm, arrange medical care immediately, and keep clear records

• Always report the case to the Labour Department on time

Conclusion

Workplace accidents can happen anytime. As an employer, it’s important to stay prepared. Even if the injury was partly the helper’s fault, you are still legally responsible to provide compensation under the law. In our next article, we’ll explain how to report a work injury, what documents you need, and answer common questions. For now, getting the right domestic helper insurance is one of the smartest ways to protect both your family and your helper.

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The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use