The anti-therapeutic effects of workers' compensation in China: The case of seafarers

This paper investigates the experiences of Chinese seafarers in claiming this compensation, in order to assess the protective capacity of Chinese workers' compensation, known as the Work-Related Injury Insurance System. Drawing on therapeutic jurisprudence, it explores the anti-therapeutic effects that Chinese seafarers confront in the claims process. Based on an analysis of regulatory documents and interview data with the informants - including seafarers, their family members and managerial professionals in the shipping industry - the findings suggest that current work-related injury insurance is unable to provide sufficient assistance for Chinese seafarers. Instead of obtaining effective therapeutic remedies following accidental trauma, Chinese seafarers (and their families) are indeed likely to suffer additional harm in the process of claiming compensation. The paper suggests that further measures should be adopted to improve work-related injury insurance coverage among seafarers, and that efficient sanctions should be strengthened against infringements of seafarers' rights.