The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has outlined five essential safety requirements that all workers on industrial and construction sites must follow. The ministry emphasised that compliance with safety measures and the use of protective equipment is not merely a formality but a critical necessity to protect both workers and those around them, according to Al Etihad newspaper. Workers are required to wear a helmet, high-visibility vest, safety shoes, protective glasses, and hearing protection.
These requirements form part of an integrated occupational health and safety framework under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which regulates labour relations, along with its executive regulations and related ministerial decisions. The law also establishes a comprehensive set of preventive measures that must be implemented in workplaces and workers’ accommodations. MoHRE continues to conduct awareness campaigns about safety standards and workers’ rights through various communication channels while handling feedback and complaints transparently and efficiently.
What protective gear is mandatory and what employers must provide
The ministry stated that the UAE attaches great importance to creating a safe and attractive working environment — an obligation reflected in proactive legislation on workplace safety and labour housing standards. “Occupational health and safety is a top priority for the ministry, which strictly enforces the law against any violations,” it said, highlighting initiatives such as the Wage Protection System that safeguard workers’ rights and ensure timely salary payments.
Mandatory protective equipment for workers includes:
- Helmet for head protection
- High-visibility vest
- Safety footwear to prevent foot injuries
- Protective goggles against debris
- Hearing protection from industrial noise
MoHRE added that strengthening health and safety practices enhances the UAE’s competitiveness in the global labour market, improves productivity, and supports a stable, skilled workforce driving economic growth. Developers following real estate Dubai news today note that adherence to strict safety standards at construction sites directly impacts project timelines and developers’ reputations. The ministry identified four official channels for reporting safety violations: the call centre (600590000), the MoHRE mobile app, the official website, and verified social media platforms.
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Employers’ obligations for workplace safety and first aid
The occupational health and safety guidelines require employers to provide suitable protective gear to prevent workplace injuries, diseases, and fire hazards, and to comply with all preventive measures issued by the ministry. Companies must display detailed safety instructions in Arabic and other necessary languages in work areas, along with warning signs near hazardous zones.
Employers’ safety obligations include:
- Appoint qualified first-aid supervisors
- Maintain fully equipped first-aid kits
- Provide adequate fire prevention and firefighting equipment
- Regularly inspect workplace conditions to protect workers’ health
- Take practical steps to reduce or eliminate risks
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The safety guidelines also stress precautions against falling objects, sharp tools, high temperatures, flammable materials, compressed gases, and electrical hazards. Companies are required to place safety signs near machinery and operational zones in Arabic and any other language understood by their workforce. For expatriates working in the UAE and owning assets across different emirates, it is important to understand regional regulatory variations. For example, Ras Al Khaimah property ownership laws differ from those in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, making it essential to seek legal advice when handling property transfer or inheritance documentation.
