RIYADH – As far-fetched as it may sound, many young employees are taking the extreme measure of intentionally injuring themselves on the job so they can get workers' compensation. According to a well-placed source, a popular method to injure oneself involves spraying a part of the body with a pesticide that has a numbing effect, after which the person can intentionally break a limb without feeling any pain. The source said that workers are willing to take such extreme measures to receive workers' compensation from their employer, which can span up to 90 days of paid leave. "They harm themselves using different tools that could potentially be permanently damaging and then they expose themselves by posting videos on social media of their exploits. The phenomenon increases drastically during Ramadan and Eid seasons," said the source. Orthopedic surgeon and consultant Dr. Mohammad Khashab said repeated fractures to bones could result in permanent health issues. "These fractures can result in infections and may need surgery afterward. These young men have no idea what they are doing to their bodies. Such reckless behavior could result in amputation of the limb. Those whose jobs depend on their hands and feet are putting their entire future at risk," said Khashab. He added the duration of workers' compensation given to people who suffer fractured bones varies from 6 to 12 weeks. Consultant psychologist Dr. Jamal Al-Tuwairqi said such behavior is a strong indication of a psychopathic mentality. "This is not normal behavior by any means. For someone to resort to brutal violence just to avoid taking responsibility is surely a sign of dysfunctional behavior. Posting videos to propagate such behavior is part of the problem," said Al-Tuwairqi. He added intentionally harming oneself is a social problem that will have far-reaching consequences. "These individuals need to be arrested and evaluated. If they have violent tendencies, they need to face a penalty and if they are mentally dysfunctional then they need to be put in therapy. Their actions reflect their unconscious mind and not their conscious realization," said Al-Tuwairqi. Self-development coach Mohammad Al-Zubaidi said people who resort to such tactics have a different value system. "These individuals clearly believe that breaking their limbs is a plausible price to pay to receive workers' compensation. I would not consider these individuals as patients with mental conditions or illnesses. They simply have a different value system that was the result of their own experiences, environment and childhood," said Al-Zubaidi.
