In Oman, the basic framework for workplace health and safety for workers is outlined in The Labour Law (Sultanate Decree Number 35/2003). This law sets out the key responsibilities of employers and employees. Additionally, Ministerial Decision No. 286/2008 (Regulation on Occupational Safety and Health) provides detailed guidelines on health and safety standards for establishments covered under the Labour Law.

Employers' Responsibilities

Employers in Oman have a wide range of responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of their employees. They must regularly conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace and implement measures to eliminate or minimize these risks. Workplaces must have adequate lighting, ventilation, sanitation facilities, and emergency exits. Employers must also provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers.

Employers are also required to provide training on safe work practices, hazard identification, use of PPE, and emergency procedures. Recordkeeping of all work-related injuries and illnesses is required. Employers must provide first aid and medical treatment as needed and report incidents to the Ministry of Manpower within stipulated timeframes.

Employees' Responsibilities

Employees in Oman also have certain health and safety responsibilities. They must follow all safety instructions and procedures established by the employer, wear provided personal protective equipment as required, report any unsafe conditions, accidents, or near misses to the employer or designated safety representative, and actively participate in the safety training provided by the employer.

Specific Health and Safety Provisions

Ministerial Decision No. 286/2008 establishes detailed regulations regarding specific aspects of health and safety. These include safety procedures for operating machinery and equipment, guidelines for safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and other hazardous substances, measures to prevent falls, guidelines on acceptable noise levels at the workplace, and provisions for protecting workers from heat stress in outdoor environments.

Health and Safety Committees

Establishments with 50 or more workers are required to form a Health and Safety Committee. This committee, in cooperation with the employer, must monitor workplace conditions, investigate accidents, and suggest improvements.

Enforcement and Penalties

The Ministry of Manpower is responsible for enforcing health and safety laws in Oman. Labor inspectors conduct regular inspections and have the authority to issue warnings, fines, or even order work stoppages if serious violations are found.

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a crucial aspect of any workplace. It involves identifying and controlling hazards, ensuring a safe and healthy environment, monitoring occupational health, providing necessary training, involving workers in OHS matters, and maintaining compliance.

Hazard Identification and Control

Employers are required to conduct risk assessments on all activities in the workplace. Control measures must prioritize elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls, with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used as a last resort. Employers must also identify, label, and control hazardous chemicals, providing safe handling and storage procedures. Fall protection measures are mandatory for any work at height posing a fall risk.

Environment and Facilities

The workplace environment should have adequate ventilation to control airborne contaminants, sufficient lighting in all work areas, and measures to reduce noise exposure to safe levels. Workplaces must be kept clean, organized, and free of hazards. First-aid kits and trained personnel should be readily available.

Occupational Health

Employers must provide pre-employment and periodic medical exams for workers in specific occupations. Monitoring of exposure to hazardous substances or conditions in the workplace is also required. Employers must provide suitable PPE and ensure its use where necessary.

Training and Awareness

Employers must provide all workers with OHS training relevant to their work. Workers must be informed of hazards, safe work procedures, and emergency plans.

Worker Involvement

Workplaces with 50 or more employees are required to establish OHS committees with worker representation. Employers must consult with workers on OHS matters.

Compliance

Employers must maintain records of OHS training, incidents, and medical exams.

Workplace inspections in Oman play a pivotal role within the country's labor regulatory framework. They are designed to enforce labor law compliance, ensure workplace safety, promote fair labor practices, and maintain a regulated labor market.

Workplace Inspection Procedures

Workplace inspections in Oman are conducted by the Ministry of Manpower's Labour Inspection Department and other relevant inspectorates. The process typically involves inspection planning, notice, on-site inspection, report generation, and follow-up.

During the on-site inspection, inspectors review documents, conduct interviews, and physically inspect the workplace conditions, equipment, safety measures, and potential hazards. After the inspection, a detailed report is generated outlining any violations and specifying corrective actions. Employers are then obligated to rectify these violations, and follow-up inspections may occur to verify compliance.

Inspection Criteria

Workplace inspections in Oman evaluate a broad range of labor law provisions. Key areas of focus include occupational safety and health, working conditions, compliance with employment contracts, and labor welfare.

Under occupational safety and health, inspectors look at hazard identification and control measures, the provision and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), emergency preparedness and response, and workplace hygiene and sanitation.

Working conditions are assessed based on working hours, overtime, rest periods, wage payment, deductions, benefits, and accommodation and facilities if provided.

Frequency of Inspection

The frequency of workplace inspections in Oman varies based on factors like the size and nature of the workplace, complaint history, and the availability of inspectors within the Ministry of Manpower. High-risk industries and larger establishments may be inspected more frequently, and workplaces with a history of complaints or violations may be subject to increased scrutiny.

In Oman, employers are obligated by the Labour Law to report work-related accidents and injuries to the relevant authorities. The severity of the injury determines the reporting timelines. Serious injuries and fatalities must be reported immediately to the Ministry of Manpower and the Royal Oman Police. For less severe injuries, specific reporting timelines may be stipulated in the Omani Labour Law or relevant Ministerial Decisions.

Information Required in Accident Reports

Reports should generally include details such as:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Nature of the injury or illness
• Name and details of the affected worker(s)
• A brief description of how the accident occurred
• Witnesses (if any)

Investigation of Workplace Accidents

Accident investigations aim to identify the root causes of the accident, determine contributing factors, and recommend preventive measures to avoid future occurrences. Investigations may involve Ministry of Manpower Inspectors, Internal Safety Committees, or External Experts. The investigation process typically encompasses scene examination, interviews with witnesses, injured employees, and relevant personnel, and review of documents such as safety records, maintenance logs, and training records.

Compensation for Workplace Accidents in Oman

Workers injured in work-related accidents are entitled to compensation under the Omani Labour Law. Compensation may include coverage of all necessary medical treatment costs, wage replacement during periods of temporary disability due to the injury, lump sum payments or ongoing benefits depending on the severity of permanent disability, and compensation for dependents in case of fatal workplace accidents.

The amount of compensation is determined based on factors such as the worker's wages, the extent of disability, and other relevant provisions under the Labour Law. Employers are responsible for informing their insurance provider about the accident and initiating the compensation claim process. Workers may need to provide medical records and other documentation to support their claim. Insurance companies play a key role in processing claims and disbursing compensation.