The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued a new decree aimed at enhancing worker safety on construction sites, while also ensuring adequate labour accommodations and provisions.
According to a statement by the Ministry, the decree states that companies with 50 or more workers, where the wage of each worker is less than AED1,500 per month, will need to be provided with labour accommodation.
In addition, construction and industrial workers will not be permitted to work outdoors, or in places under the sun, from 12:30PM to 3:00PM, starting from June 15, 2022, to September 15, 2022.
A report from Khaleej Times added that the decree clarifies the responsibilities of both employees and employers in an effort to ensure work stability and increased productivity in the workplace.
The decree added that industrial establishments and companies with more than 100 employees will need to hire a health and safety office to ensure that labourers are protected from the various risks prevalent in the workspace. The officer will also be tasked with ensuring safety procedures are being met on construction sites, it added.
The decree stated that workers should be provided with safety gear and suitable clothing to protect them from any injuries on site. First aid kits and fire extinguishers shall be placed in construction premises, along with a specialist on site to deliver first aid when needed.
Furthermore, employers must take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of employees against injuries, diseases or any hazards in the workplace such as sharp objects, explosive or inflammable materials, electric circuits and compressed gases, it added.
Workers are obliged by law to use protective gear and follow instructions at all times after being properly briefed by the employer.
The new labour law grants employers the right to impose penalties for each worker who violates safety measures at work, the Khaleej Times report added, pointing out that the ministry is also coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure that insurance is being provided for workers.