Working in the scorching heat of the UAE can be brutal, especially if you are working for a physically demanding job such as construction. Taking this into consideration, the UAE has implemented laws that ensure the well-being of the workers by providing them with protective equipment like safety gear and specific clothing designed for the job. It is the employer's responsibility to make sure that all employees go through medical examinations.
Q. As per the UAE labour law, what are the rules for employee safety?
It is the employers responsibility to:
- Implement appropriate safety measures to safeguard workers from occupational injuries, diseases, fire, and other hazards associated with work.
- To comply with safety regulations prescribed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
- Employees must be provided with protective gear, follow employer instructions for hazard protection, and avoid actions that hinder such protection.
Q. What are the first-aid provisions provided by the employer to the worker?
Employers must provide one or more first-aid boxes containing medicines. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs may specify additional first-aid materials. For every 100 workers, there must be one first-aid box conveniently located and easily accessible. A specialized person should be assigned to manage these boxes.
Q. What are the PPE requirements in UAE?
As per UAE Labour Law, it is the employer’s responsibility to provide their workers with essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to safeguard them against workplace hazards. This includes protective clothing, helmets, goggles, gloves, and other required equipment.
Q. What measures does UAE labour law have in place to ensure the safety of workers in the workplace?
As per the laws, the employer must 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, and provide appropriate training to workers to avoid such risks.
Q. How do the employees ensure the cleanliness of their workplace in UAE?
Employers must ensure workplaces are clean, well-ventilated, properly lit, and equipped with adequate drinking water, toilets, and sanitation facilities. This complies with regulations set by relevant government authorities.
Q. What safety training is provided to the employees in UAE?
As per the UAE laws, employers are generally obligated to provide safety training to their employees by the country's regulations. The UAE has specific laws and regulations that govern occupational health and safety, and employers must take measures to ensure the well-being of their workers.
Q. What social services are provided to employees in the UAE?
Yes, there are offices in courts to provide legal support to workers in labour disputes, and labour care units have been established across the UAE to protect workers and raise their awareness of their rights.
Q. How are workers with special needs or disabilities accommodated in the workplace as per UAE labour regulations?
According to the law, a person's special needs shall not be a reason to deprive him/her of their rights and services, especially in welfare and social, economic, health, educational, professional, cultural, and leisure services. They have the right to work and occupy public positions. Further, it stipulates that the private sector should be encouraged to integrate people of determination into their institutions and grant them exemptions and privileges.
Q. What services must employers offer workers in remote areas without regular transport?
As per the UAE laws, the following should be provided to the workers:
- Suitable means of transport.
- Suitable living accommodation.
- Drinking water.
- Adequate food supplies.
- First-aid facilities.
- Recreation and sports facilities.
Q: What are the channels through which an employee can report occupational diseases or work injuries?
A firm must report the work injuries to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), and it could be done through the following channels:
- The digital system for MoHRE’s services
- Business service centres, which are approved by MoHRE
- The MoHRE’s app on App Store and Google Play
- Other channels specified by MoHRE.
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