According to Clause 13 of Article 13 of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector (the UAE labour law) (PDF, 2 MB) the employer is obliged to provide a safe and appropriate work environment to his employees. Both, the employer and the employee must comply with all controls and procedures issued by Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and other competent authorities of the country regarding occupational health and safety.

Prevention of injuries and occupational hazards

This section deals with employer and worker obligations to prevent injuries and occupational hazards.

Employer’s obligations

It would be the employer’s obligation to:

• provide the necessary means of protecting workers from the risks of occupational injuries and diseases that may occur during work
• place instructional boards with awareness materials
• provide appropriate training to workers to avoid such risks
• conduct periodic evaluations to ensure that all parties to the employment contract comply with occupational health and safety requirements.

Worker’s obligations

It would be the worker’s obligation to:

• use the protective equipment and clothing provided to him.
• comply with all instructions given by the employer to protect him from danger.
• refrain from any action contrary to these instructions.
• follow orders and instructions relating to occupational health and safety.
• use protective equipment properly and take care of the equipment in his/her possession.

Workers must not commit any act which violate the aforementioned instructions, or misuse the protective equipment designed for the workers' health and safety, or damage or destroy such equipment.

Read more about workers’ safety, protection and health care on the following links:

• Articles 13, 36 Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector (PDF, 2 MB)
• Articles 22 and 26 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on Implementation of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 (PDF, 700 KB)
• Administrative Decision No. 19 of 2023 Relating to Occupational Safety and Health and Labour Accommodation (PDF, 334 KB)
• Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022 Regarding Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Accommodation