Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a fundamental requirement for businesses operating in Jordan. The country's regulatory framework places significant emphasis on protecting employees from occupational hazards and promoting well-being within the work environment. Adhering to these regulations is not only a legal obligation but also crucial for fostering productivity, reducing incidents, and maintaining a positive employer-employee relationship.
Employers operating within Jordan must navigate a set of laws, standards, and procedures designed to safeguard workers across various industries. Understanding these requirements, from establishing safety committees to implementing accident reporting protocols, is essential for compliance and creating a secure operational environment for all personnel.
Health and Safety Laws and Regulatory Framework
The primary legal basis for occupational health and safety in Jordan is the Labour Law. This foundational legislation outlines general principles and requirements for workplace safety and health. Supplementary regulations, instructions, and standards issued by the Ministry of Labour and other relevant authorities provide more detailed provisions applicable to specific industries, types of work, and hazards. Compliance involves understanding both the overarching law and these specific directives.
| Key Regulatory Areas Covered | Examples of Requirements |
|---|---|
| General Workplace Safety | Provision of safe working conditions, equipment, and environment. |
| Hazardous Substances | Regulations on handling, storage, and exposure limits. |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Employer obligation to provide and ensure use of appropriate PPE. |
| Workplace Environment | Standards for ventilation, lighting, noise, and sanitation. |
| Specific Industry Regulations | Additional rules for construction, manufacturing, mining, etc. |
Occupational Health and Safety Standards and Practices
Beyond the legal framework, employers are expected to implement proactive measures to identify, assess, and control workplace risks. This involves establishing and maintaining effective safety management systems tailored to the specific nature of the business and its potential hazards.
Risk Assessments
A core practice is conducting regular risk assessments. This process involves:
- Identifying potential hazards in the workplace (e.g., machinery, chemicals, manual handling, working at heights).
- Evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm from these hazards.
- Determining and implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce risks to an acceptable level.
- Reviewing and updating assessments periodically or when changes occur in the workplace.
Training Requirements
Employers are obligated to provide adequate health and safety training to all employees. This training should cover:
- General workplace safety rules and procedures.
- Specific hazards related to their job tasks and work environment.
- Proper use of equipment and machinery.
- Emergency procedures (fire, first aid).
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Training should be provided upon hiring, when job tasks change, and periodically as refresher courses.
Documentation Obligations
Maintaining comprehensive records is a critical aspect of compliance. Required documentation typically includes:
- Records of risk assessments.
- Safety policies and procedures.
- Training records, including attendance and topics covered.
- Records of workplace inspections and audits.
- Accident and incident reports.
- Maintenance records for safety-critical equipment.
- Health surveillance records, where applicable.
Workplace Inspection Processes and Requirements
Workplaces in Jordan are subject to inspections by authorities from the Ministry of Labour to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Inspectors have the authority to enter workplaces, examine records, interview employees, and issue notices or orders for corrective actions.
Key aspects of inspections include:
- Verification of compliance with Labour Law and specific safety regulations.
- Assessment of physical working conditions, machinery guarding, chemical storage, etc.
- Review of safety documentation (policies, risk assessments, training records).
- Checking the availability and proper use of PPE.
- Evaluating emergency preparedness measures.
Employers must cooperate with inspectors and take prompt action to address any non-compliance issues identified during an inspection.
Workplace Accident Protocols and Reporting
In the event of a workplace accident or occupational illness, specific protocols must be followed, including immediate reporting requirements.
| Step | Action Required | Reporting To | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Provide immediate first aid and medical attention. | N/A | Immediately |
| 2 | Investigate the incident to determine cause and prevent recurrence. | Internal (Employer) | Promptly after incident |
| 3 | Report serious accidents or occupational illnesses. | Ministry of Labour, Social Security Corporation | Within specified timeframe (often 24-48 hours for serious incidents) |
| 4 | Maintain detailed records of the incident, investigation, and corrective actions. | Internal (Employer) | Ongoing |
The definition of a "serious" accident requiring official reporting is typically defined in the relevant regulations and may include incidents resulting in death, serious injury, or specific types of harm.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Workplace Safety
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, with distinct duties assigned to both employers and employees under Jordanian law.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers bear the primary responsibility for providing a safe and healthy work environment. Key duties include:
- Establishing and implementing a health and safety policy.
- Identifying hazards and assessing risks.
- Implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce risks.
- Providing necessary safety equipment and PPE.
- Providing adequate health and safety training.
- Ensuring machinery and equipment are safe.
- Maintaining the workplace in a safe condition.
- Establishing emergency procedures.
- Investigating accidents and implementing corrective actions.
- Reporting serious accidents and occupational illnesses to authorities.
- Establishing a safety committee in workplaces meeting specific size thresholds.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees also have a duty to cooperate with their employer to maintain a safe workplace. Their responsibilities include:
- Taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions.
- Complying with safety rules, procedures, and instructions.
- Using provided safety equipment and PPE correctly.
- Reporting hazards, accidents, and near misses to their supervisor or employer.
- Cooperating with the employer on health and safety matters.
Safety Committees
For workplaces exceeding a certain number of employees (typically specified in regulations, often around 20 or more), employers are required to establish a joint employer-employee safety committee. The role of this committee is to:
- Participate in developing and reviewing safety policies and procedures.
- Conduct workplace inspections.
- Investigate accidents and incidents.
- Discuss health and safety concerns raised by employees.
- Make recommendations to the employer on improving safety performance.
The committee serves as a vital mechanism for consultation and collaboration on health and safety matters within the workplace.
