Health and safety laws in Lebanon are primarily governed by the Lebanese Labor Code (Law of September 1946) and Decree No. 11802 on Occupational Prevention, Safety, and Health (1998). The Labor Code is the foundational piece of legislation governing employment relationships, including health and safety. It includes provisions for protection against workplace hazards, workplace hygiene and ventilation, first aid measures, and regulations specific to certain types of work.

Decree No. 11802 supplements the Labor Code with more detailed rules. It covers employer responsibilities for risk assessments and hazard prevention, occupational safety and health management systems, and workplace safety standards for buildings, machinery, and equipment.

Key Principles of Lebanon's Health and Safety Laws

The key principles of Lebanon's health and safety laws include a general duty of care, risk assessment and prevention, safe working practices and procedures, information, instruction, and training, and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Employers hold the primary responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy workplace as far as reasonably practicable. They must identify workplace hazards and take proactive steps to minimize or eliminate risks to workers. Detailed procedures for hazardous tasks, machinery handling, and emergency response must be developed and implemented by employers. Employees are entitled to clear information on workplace risks, safety procedures, and receive appropriate training for their job duties. Employers are also obligated to provide suitable PPE free of charge where hazards cannot be fully eliminated.

Employers' Responsibilities

Employers are required to develop and implement an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy, conduct risk assessments, maintain safe work environments, provide first aid and medical services, report accidents and occupational diseases, and consult and cooperate with employees.

Employees' Rights and Responsibilities

Employees have the right to a safe workplace, the right to refuse unsafe work, and the right to information and training. They also have a duty to cooperate with safety rules, use PPE provided, and report any hazardous situations or injuries they observe.

It is crucial for both employers and employees in Lebanon to seek updated information from the Ministry of Labor for the latest regulations and guidelines relevant to their specific industry or workplace.

Workspaces must have adequate ventilation to minimize airborne hazards, control temperature, and maintain appropriate air quality. Proper lighting is also essential to prevent eye strain and accidents. Cleanliness must be maintained, and employers must provide washing facilities, restrooms, and potable water. Excessive noise must be controlled through engineering controls, administrative changes, or personal protective equipment (PPE) if required.

Machinery and Equipment Safety

Moving parts and dangerous components must have guards or protective devices. Interlocks should be in place to prevent operation with guards removed. Machinery and equipment must be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired in a safe condition. Workers need training and procedures for the safe use of machines, including lockout/tagout for servicing.

Fire Safety

Workplaces must be designed and operated to reduce fire risks. Storage of flammables and combustibles must follow prescribed standards. Fire extinguishers, alarms, and other fire-fighting equipment suited to the nature of work must be provided. Well-defined emergency plans, drills, and escape routes must be established.

Electrical Safety

Electrical systems must adhere to codes and standards to prevent shocks and fires. Only qualified electricians should perform electrical work. Lockout/tagout, safe distances, and appropriate tools are required. Equipment must be grounded, and protective devices like ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) used where necessary.

Chemical Hazards

Chemicals must be clearly identified and labeled with hazard information and precautions, including the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Specific procedures for the safe use, handling, and storage of hazardous substances must be implemented. Ventilation, engineering controls, and PPE must be used to minimize worker exposure to chemical hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employers are obligated to provide suitable PPE free of charge where other hazard controls are not sufficient. Workers must use PPE as instructed. Types of PPE may include safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, respirators, safety footwear, and specialized protective clothing.

Occupational Health Services

First aid kits and trained personnel must be available. Workplaces must have arrangements for providing emergency medical care. Certain jobs may require pre-employment medical exams or ongoing health surveillance relevant to hazards encountered.

Workplace inspections are a crucial part of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. The Department of Labor Inspection, Prevention and Safety (DLIPS) within the Ministry of Labor is responsible for carrying out these inspections. Labor inspectors have the authority to enter workplaces freely, conduct examinations, take samples, and request relevant documents. They can also seek technical assistance from specialized experts as needed. Besides general health and safety compliance, inspections also target adherence to social security contribution regulations on behalf of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Inspection Criteria

Workplaces in Lebanon are evaluated against a broad range of requirements found in the Lebanese Labor Code, particularly the provisions on workplace safety and hygiene. Inspectors also check compliance with Decree No.11802 on Occupational Prevention, Safety, and Health, and additional sector-specific regulations covering industries like construction and agriculture.

Inspection Frequency

Inspections may be planned in advance or triggered by complaints, accidents, or specific concerns. However, limited resources and a large number of workplaces pose a challenge to implementing a comprehensive inspection program across the country.

Inspection Procedures

Surprise inspections are allowed, but employers may be notified in advance in some cases. The inspection process includes an opening interview, a walkthrough inspection, interviews with workers and managers, a closing meeting, and an official report detailing findings and specifying corrective actions with deadlines.

Follow-up Actions

Inspectors can issue orders demanding the employer remedy violations within a set timeframe. Non-compliance can result in further enforcement actions. The Lebanese Labor Code allows for fines to be imposed on employers who violate health and safety regulations. In cases of grave and imminent danger, inspectors are authorized to order a partial or complete temporary closure of the workplace until the hazard is rectified.

Employees have the right to request an inspection if they feel their safety is being compromised. Employers are obligated to cooperate with labor inspectors and must not obstruct their work.

Employers are legally obligated to report workplace accidents that lead to injury or death. The entities that must be informed include the Ministry of Labor (Department of Labor Inspection) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Reports must be submitted promptly, with varying deadlines specified in the regulations depending on the severity of the accident. Detailed accident report forms are used to gather information on the incident, injuries, causes, and people involved.

Accident Investigation

The purpose of an accident investigation is to determine the root causes, prevent recurrence, and inform compensation decisions. Employers are generally responsible for conducting internal investigations. Labor inspectors may also be involved, especially in cases of serious or fatal accidents. Factors to investigate include immediate circumstances of the accident, underlying safety failures, management system shortcomings, worker training or behavior, and equipment or machinery issues. Investigation methods include examining the scene, interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and possibly consulting technical experts.

Compensation for Workplace Injuries

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) provides workplace injury insurance with employers paying contributions. Benefits can include medical treatment and rehabilitation, temporary disability payments, permanent disability pensions, and death benefits for survivors. Workers or their families can sue employers in civil courts if they feel compensation is inadequate or negligence was involved. However, access to justice and the length of legal proceedings can pose challenges.

Additional Notes

Employers should maintain detailed records of accidents, even minor ones, to identify trends and for insurance purposes. Analyzing trends and data from accident reports is critical for continuous improvement of workplace safety efforts.