What Employers and Employees in UAE need to know about Occupational Health and Safety .

According to UAE labour law the employer is obliged to provide a safe and appropriate work environment to his employees. Both, the employer and the employee must comply with all controls and procedures issued by Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and other competent authorities of the country regarding occupational health and safety.

What all are the employer and worker obligations to prevent injuries and occupational hazards?

Employer’s obligations

It would be the employer’s obligation to:

provide the necessary means of protecting workers from the hazards of occupational injuries and diseases that may occur during work
place instructional boards with awareness materials
provide appropriate training to workers to avoid such risks
conduct periodic evaluations to ensure that all parties to the employment contract, comply with and meet the requirements of occupational health and safety.

Worker’s obligations

It would be the worker’s obligation to: use the protective equipment and clothing provided to him
comply with all instructions given by the employer to protect him from danger
refrain from any action contrary to these instructions
follow orders and instructions relating to occupational health and safety
undertake to protect what is in his possession

In case of an injury or death at workplace

According to Article 37 of the Labour Law, the compensation for death at work is equal to the basic wage of the worker for 24 months, provided that the amount of compensation is not less than AED 18,000 and more than AED 200,000.The amount of compensation is calculated on the basis of the last wage received by the worker prior to his death.

Compensation for injuries and death

If an occupational disease or injury results in the worker’s death, his family is entitled to compensation equal to the worker’s basic income for 24 months, providing the compensation amount is between AED 18,000 (eight thousand) and AED 200,000. (two hundred thousand). The deceased worker’s eligible beneficiaries share in the compensation, which is computed based on the basic salary the worker was earning at the time of his death.

Mid-day break rule for workers under the sun

In the summer, it is forbidden for construction and industrial workers to work during the hottest parts of the day. To protect them from harm and hazards, workers should be given protective equipment and appropriate attire. They must go through a medical exam to rule out any occupational illnesses they may have acquired.. According to Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022, all work performed directly under the sun and in open places shall not be allowed between the peak hours of 12.30 pm and 3 pm from 15 June to 15 September every year.

Occupational-health-and-safety-officer

Every industrial facility and all construction-related facilities with 100 or more employees are required to select an occupational health and safety officer who is technically qualified for the job. The HSO will be responsible for carrying out the duties associated with the prevention of various categories of hazards and overseeing the application of the pertinent laws in this regard.

Insurance

Both the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai mandate health insurance for all public and private sector employees, whether they are citizens or residents.

Medical check-up

Employers are required to designate at least one physician to conduct a comprehensive examination of each employee who is at risk of getting one of the occupational diseases at least once every six months. The outcomes of such a test should be documented in the personnel files of the employees.

Prohibition of alcohol on work premises

No employer may bring or allow others to bring any kind of alcoholic drinks for consumption on work premises.

Reference from: The United Arab Emirates’ Government portal.

How can QHSE International support you?

If you would like expert guidance on applying the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act within your organisation, our qualified Health & Safety consultants can provide expert advice and help to make your responsibilities clear. We can also provide Health and Safety solutions such as developing your HSE Plan Get in touch on +971 4 443 1124