Workplace Health & Safety
UAE Workplace Health & Safety Guide: Employer Obligations 2025
Complete guide to workplace health and safety in UAE. Legal framework, employer obligations, risk assessment, PPE requirements, safety management, and compliance with MOHRE and Civil Defense regulations.
Published: January 23, 2026
12 min read read
7 topics covered
Quick Summary: Complete guide to workplace health and safety in UAE. Legal framework, employer obligations, risk assessment, PPE requirements, safety management, and compliance with MOHRE and Civil Defense regulations.
Workplace health and safety is a fundamental employer obligation in UAE, governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and various ministerial decisions. Employers must provide a safe working environment, appropriate protective equipment, and comprehensive training. This guide covers the legal requirements, risk assessment procedures, safety management systems, and compliance obligations for UAE employers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | UAE Labor Law, Ministerial Decisions |
| Regulator | MOHRE, Municipality, Civil Defense |
| Employer Duty | Provide safe working environment |
| Key Sectors | Construction, industrial, oil & gas |
| Penalties | Fines, closure, criminal liability |
Legal Framework
Understanding the legal basis for workplace safety in UAE.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021 establishes general employer duties. Ministerial Decision No. 44/2022 addresses occupational health and safety specifically. Civil Defense regulations govern fire safety. Municipality codes cover building safety. Free zone regulations add zone-specific requirements.
Key Legal Requirements (Article 13)
Employers must provide: Safe and appropriate work environment. Means of protection from hazards. Health and safety information. Necessary training. Personal protective equipment. First aid facilities.
Regulatory Bodies
MOHRE handles labor law compliance. Municipality covers building and environmental standards. Civil Defense manages fire safety requirements. Free zone authorities enforce zone-specific regulations.
| Law/Regulation | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021 | General employer duties |
| Ministerial Decision No. 44/2022 | Occupational health & safety |
| Civil Defense regulations | Fire safety |
| Municipality codes | Building safety |
| Free zone regulations | Zone-specific requirements |
Employer Obligations
Specific duties employers must fulfill.
General Duties
Safe workplace free from recognized hazards. Equipment safety with proper maintenance. Training on health and safety procedures. PPE provision and enforcement of use. First aid facilities and trained personnel. Medical care access and treatment. Record keeping for incidents and inspections.
Specific Requirements
Working environment must have adequate ventilation and lighting. Temperature appropriate for work type. Clean sanitation facilities. Safe, accessible drinking water. Appropriate rest areas and breaks. Clear, marked emergency exits. Fire safety equipment and training.
Industry-Specific Hazards
Construction: Falls, struck-by injuries, electrocution. Manufacturing: Machinery hazards, chemicals, noise. Office: Ergonomic, psychosocial issues. Healthcare: Biological hazards, sharps, lifting. Oil & gas: Fire, explosion, chemical exposure. Hospitality: Slips, burns, manual handling. Retail: Manual handling, workplace violence.
| Hazard Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical | Noise, vibration, radiation, temperature |
| Chemical | Toxic substances, fumes, dust |
| Biological | Bacteria, viruses, fungi |
| Ergonomic | Repetitive motion, lifting, posture |
| Psychosocial | Stress, harassment, violence |
| Safety | Slips, falls, machinery, electrical |
Risk Assessment
Systematic approach to identifying and managing hazards.
Risk Assessment Process
Step 1: Identify hazards in the workplace. Step 2: Identify who might be harmed. Step 3: Evaluate risks and determine likelihood and severity. Step 4: Implement control measures. Step 5: Record findings and decisions. Step 6: Review regularly and after incidents.
Risk Evaluation Matrix
Likelihood scale: 1=Rare, 2=Unlikely, 3=Possible, 4=Likely, 5=Almost Certain. Severity scale: 1=Negligible, 2=Minor, 3=Moderate, 4=Major, 5=Catastrophic. Risk Score = Likelihood x Severity. High (15-25): Immediate action required. Medium (8-14): Action within defined timeframe. Low (1-7): Monitor and review.
Hierarchy of Controls
Elimination: Remove the hazard entirely. Substitution: Replace with less hazardous alternative. Engineering: Physical controls and barriers. Administrative: Procedures, training, signage. PPE: Personal protective equipment as last resort.
Safety Management
Establishing a systematic approach to safety.
Safety Policy
Commitment to providing safe and healthy workplace. Compliance with all applicable laws. Prevention of injuries and ill health. Continuous improvement of safety performance. Employee engagement in safety matters. Signed by CEO/owner and communicated to all.
Organization and Responsibilities
Management: Provide resources, set objectives, review performance, lead by example. Safety Officer/Committee: Coordinate activities, conduct inspections, investigate incidents, provide training. Supervisors: Enforce rules, conduct toolbox talks, report hazards, train employees. Employees: Follow rules, report hazards, use PPE correctly, participate in training.
Safety Committee
Recommended for large companies. Usually mandatory for high-risk industries. Free zones may have specific requirements. Purpose: Promote cooperation between employer and employees on safety matters. Responsibilities include reviewing policies, discussing concerns, reviewing incidents, monitoring improvements.
Performance Monitoring
Leading indicators: Safety inspections completed, training attendance, hazard reports, near-miss reports. Lagging indicators: Lost time injuries, recordable incidents, days away from work, workers compensation claims.
PPE Requirements
Personal protective equipment obligations.
Employer PPE Obligations
Assess need to determine required PPE. Provide free at no cost to employee. Ensure proper fit with appropriate size and type. Train on how to use correctly. Maintain and keep in good condition. Replace when worn or damaged. Enforce use and compliance.
PPE Types by Body Part
Head: Hard hats, bump caps. Eyes: Safety glasses, goggles, face shields. Ears: Earplugs, earmuffs. Respiratory: Masks, respirators. Hands: Gloves of various types. Body: High-visibility vests, coveralls, aprons. Feet: Safety boots and shoes. Fall protection: Harnesses, lanyards.
Safety Training Requirements
Safety induction for all new employees on joining. Job-specific training for relevant roles with refreshers. Emergency procedures training for all annually. First aid certification for designated staff every 2-3 years. Fire safety training for all annually. PPE use training for PPE users initially and with refreshers. Hazardous materials training for handlers as required.
Summer Work Restrictions
Midday work ban and heat safety requirements.
Midday Work Ban
Period: June 15 to September 15. Hours: 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Applies to: Outdoor workers. Exemptions: Certain essential works with approval. Penalties: Fines of AED 5,000-50,000 per worker for violations.
Heat Safety Requirements
Shade: Provide rest areas with shade. Water: Supply cool drinking water. Breaks: Ensure regular rest periods. Monitoring: Watch for signs of heat illness. Training: Heat stress awareness for workers. Scheduling: Avoid peak heat hours where possible.
Heat Illness Prevention
Recognize symptoms: Dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating, nausea. Immediate response: Move to cool area, provide water, seek medical help if serious. Acclimatization: Gradually increase exposure for new workers. Work rotation: Alternate outdoor and indoor tasks.
| Violation | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| Unsafe workplace | Fines |
| Midday ban violation | AED 5,000-50,000 per worker |
| Repeated violations | Increased fines, closure |
| Serious injury/death | Criminal prosecution |
| No safety measures | Fines + corrective action order |
Frequently Asked Questions
Manage Workplace Safety with NeuralHR
NeuralHR supports comprehensive safety management with inspection tracking for regular safety audits, incident management for reporting and investigation, training records for safety certification tracking, document management for policies and assessments, and compliance alerts for safety requirement reminders.
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Our team of HR professionals and legal experts specializes in UAE labor law compliance, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate MOHRE regulations, Emiratisation requirements, and workforce management in the UAE and GCC region.
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