Picture used for illustrative purposes.

Abdulrahman Saeed, Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) affirmed that the establishments must provide accommodation for workers in two cases: if the establishment employs 50 workers or more, and if their wages are Dhs1,500 or less, noting that accommodation must be compatible with the general standards for collective labour housing and provide all services.

The establishments must adhere to the standards of accommodation designated to less than 500 workers, according to MOHRE, explaining that, according to the Labour Relations Regulation Law, employers must provide appropriate means of protection from the dangers or injuries and occupational diseases which may be exposed to during work, as well as the dangers of fires and those which may result from the use of machinery, besides following all other prevention methods decided by the Ministry.

It also indicated that employers must inform the workers before they accept the job of the risks of the profession, and put instructions in Arabic and another language understood by workers, in a prominent and conspicuous place in the workplace, provided that these instructions must be detailed and clear, and elaborating means of preventing fires and protecting workers from the dangers which they may be exposed to, during their work, showing ways to prevent them, and how to treat any accidents which may take place because of them.

Employers must also provide first aid which must be supervised by a specialist, provided that the first aid box includes all that is necessary, added MOHRE, pointing out that the specialist must provide appropriate practical means to prevent or reduce health hazards in the workplace, while taking the necessary precautions to prevent the dangers of falling or of the fall of flying fragments or sharp objects, incendiary liquid materials, flammable or explosive materials, or any other harmful materials.

MOHRE added that employers must take the necessary precautions to protect workers from the dangers of compressed gases and electricity, and that every industrial facility, as well as establishments operating in the construction sector employing 100 workers or more, must appoint an officer responsible for occupational health and safety, who must be technically qualified for this purpose, and will be responsible for prevention from various dangers and supervising the implementation of provisions related to this matter.