A Different Concept in Disability Assessment: Compulsory Individual Accident Insurance for Mine Workers

Objective: This study aimed to determine the reflection of the Mine Workers Compulsory Personal Accident Insurance (MWCPAI) on forensic medicine practices and to identify its possible deficiencies compared to the Regulation of Permanent Disabilities (RPD). Materials and Methods: The subject of the study was the cases for the recourse claim from the insurance company for the compensation paid by the workplace to the miners injured due to occupational accidents. The study encompassed cases submitted by judicial authorities requesting the determination of coverage percentage (CP) according to the MWCPAI. Results: All cases (n = 18) were male, with a mean age of 36.05 ± 5.4 years. The two most common events were object fall or impact (n = 6, 33.3%) and crushing (n = 5, 27.8%), respectively. The most prevalent injury was lower extremity injury. Although 44.4% of the cases recovered without sequelae, half of these cases were deemed disabled according to RPD. When the cases were assessed based on the handicap coverage list (HCL) of the MWCPAI, it was found that eight cases (44.4%) who recovered without sequelae did not qualify for coverage. As 50% of the cases did not precisely match any categories in the HCL, they were chosen using a comparative method, and CPs were determined by discretion, considering the extent of functional limitation. Conclusion: In response to the occupational accidents prevalent in the mining sector, it is imperative to develop MWCPAI. MWCPAI would not only furnish insurance coverage for miners but also play a pivotal role in fostering safe working environments within the mining sector. MWCPAI is attributable to its mandate for insurance companies to assess the risks inherent in mining operations.