The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is proactive in ensuring health and safety across all sectors of its economy. The foundations of UAE's health and safety regulations are based on several legal frameworks.

Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (UAE Labour Law)

This law provides a baseline for health and safety rights and responsibilities for both employers and employees.

Ministerial Decisions by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)

These decisions offer detailed provisions on specific health and safety elements, such as handling hazardous materials, working in extreme temperatures, and more.

UAE Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) National Standard

This standard establishes a systematic framework for businesses to manage health and safety risks effectively.

Key Obligations of Employers

UAE employers have far-reaching duties with respect to health and safety, including:

• Hazard Risk Assessment and Prevention: Employers conduct thorough assessments to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks to the greatest extent possible.
• Provision of Safe Work Environments: Employers guarantee appropriate work environments, including ample ventilation, lighting, and safe operating procedures.
• Training and Instruction: Employers provide comprehensive health and safety training to employees, including emergency handling procedures.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers supply PPE suitable for the work environment and ensure its proper use.

Key Obligations of Employees

Employees in the UAE also have health and safety responsibilities, including:

• Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations: Employees comply with established workplace safety rules and regulations.
• Cooperation with Employers: Employees work with their employers to create a safe working environment.
• Careful Use of Equipment and Tools: Employees handle all equipment and tools with care, minimizing risks to themselves and others.
• Proper Use of PPE: Employees utilize the provided PPE consistently and correctly.
• Reporting of Hazards: Employees report any observed safety hazards or unsafe practices to their supervisors.

Specific Health and Safety Considerations in the UAE

• Heat Stress: The UAE's hot climate means employers must take specific measures to protect workers from heat stress. Ministerial Decrees regulate working hours during summer months.
• Construction Sector: The construction industry, with its inherent risks, is subject to detailed health and safety regulations within the UAE.

Enforcement and Penalties

The MOHRE oversees enforcement of health and safety laws in the UAE and can impose penalties for non-compliance. These penalties may include fines, temporary closure of workplaces, and even imprisonment in cases of severe violations.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a critical aspect in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Government regulatory bodies ensure workplaces adhere to established standards to promote worker safety and well-being.

Legal Framework

The UAE Federal Labor Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980) forms the foundation for OHS regulation, defining employer and employee responsibilities. Ministerial Resolutions and Decisions supplement the Labor Law with specific requirements for various industries and hazards. For example, Ministerial Order No. 32 of 1982 addresses protection from work hazards, and Ministerial Decision No. 37/2 of 1982 focuses on workplace safety standards.

Key Regulatory Authorities

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is the primary agency responsible for overseeing OHS regulations in the UAE. Local Departments of Health play a supporting role in areas like occupational health surveillance. Industry-Specific Regulators, such as the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), have sector-specific OHS standards.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers are required to provide a safe work environment by eliminating or controlling hazards through risk assessments, engineering controls, and administrative measures. They must also provide training and information, train employees on safe work practices, hazard identification, and emergency procedures. Employers are also responsible for providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and conducting health surveillance.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees are expected to follow safe work practices, wear and correctly use all provided PPE, report hazards and incidents, and actively participate in OHS training and initiatives.

Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OHSMS)

Many organizations in the UAE implement OHSMS based on standards like the UAE OHSMS National Standard (NCEMA 6000), which provides a framework for continuous improvement in OHS performance, and ISO 45001, an internationally recognized OHSMS standard.

Focus Areas in UAE Occupational Health and Safety

Key focus areas in UAE Occupational Health and Safety include construction safety, heat stress prevention, chemical safety, and occupational health. These areas cover aspects like noise exposure monitoring, ergonomic assessments, and mental health support.

Workplace inspections play a crucial role in maintaining Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards in the UAE. They serve to verify compliance, identify potential hazards, and educate employers and workers on best OHS practices.

Role of Inspections

• Compliance Verification: Inspectors ensure workplaces adhere to the requirements of the UAE Labour Law, relevant Ministerial Resolutions, and industry-specific regulations.
• Hazard Identification: Inspections help identify potential hazards, allowing employers to take corrective action before incidents occur.
• Awareness and Education: Inspections provide opportunities to educate employers and workers on best OHS practices.

Inspection Authority

• Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE): The majority of workplace inspections are carried out by labor inspectors from the ministry's inspection departments.
• Other Regulatory Bodies: Authorities specific to certain sectors may also conduct inspections related to their areas of expertise.

Inspection Criteria

Inspectors consider a wide range of factors, including:

• Hazard Control: Risk assessments, engineering controls, safe work procedures, and PPE use.
• Workplace Conditions: Fire safety, electrical installations, ventilation, lighting, sanitation.
• Machinery and Equipment: Safeguarding, maintenance, worker training in use.
• Chemical Safety: Handling, storage, labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Record-Keeping: Accident/incident reports, training records, medical surveillance records.

Inspection Frequency

The frequency of inspections can vary based on factors such as the industry sector, company size, and past safety performance. High-risk sectors, such as construction, are likely to face more frequent inspections.

Inspection Procedures

1. Notification: While unannounced inspections are permitted, employers may receive advance notice in some cases.
2. Opening Meeting: The inspector clarifies the purpose and scope of the inspection.
3. Walkthrough: The inspector tours the workplace, observes work processes, and may interview workers.
4. Record Review: The inspector examines OHS-related documentation.
5. Closing Meeting: Discusses findings and any potential violations to be addressed.
6. Inspection Report: Details findings, recommendations, and deadlines for corrective action.

Follow-up Actions

• Corrective Action: Employers must address identified violations within specified timeframes.
• Re-inspection: May be conducted to verify that corrective actions were taken.
• Penalties: MOHRE can impose fines or administrative sanctions for non-compliance, as outlined in the UAE Labour Law.

Workplace accidents in the UAE require strict adherence to reporting requirements, investigation procedures, and compensation claims. Employers have a legal obligation to report serious workplace accidents and injuries to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), local police, and their insurance company. Fatalities and serious injuries must be reported immediately, while other work-related injuries must be reported within 48 hours.

Reporting Requirements

Employers are required to report to the following entities:

• MOHRE: As mandated by the UAE Labour Law and related Ministerial Resolutions.
• Local Police: In cases of severe injury or death.
• Insurance Company: For workers' compensation claims.

Investigation Procedures

Investigations into workplace accidents can be conducted by the employer, MOHRE, or the police. The employer is obligated to investigate the root causes of the accident and maintain proper documentation. MOHRE inspectors may launch their own investigation, especially in the case of serious accidents or suspected negligence. The police may become involved in cases involving fatalities, severe injuries, or potential criminal negligence.

Compensation Claims

Employers in the UAE must hold a Workers' Compensation Insurance policy. Compensation can cover medical treatment, temporary disability, permanent disability, and death benefits. The extent of the disability and the compensation amount are determined through a medical evaluation and in line with the UAE Labour Law.

Compensation Process

The compensation process involves claim submission, assessment, and dispute resolution. The injured worker (or their family in case of fatality) submits a claim to the insurance company, which then evaluates the claim and calculates compensation amounts. MOHRE may step in to mediate disputes between the insurance company and the worker or their family.