The foundation of occupational safety and health (OSH) in Jordan is based on the Labor Law (No. 8 of 1996), which primarily addresses work conditions and health and safety. The key institutions and regulatory instruments include the Ministry of Labor (MOL), the Occupational Safety and Health Directorate, the Social Security Corporation (SSC), and OSH Regulations and Bylaws.

Employers in Jordan have extensive obligations for ensuring workplace health and safety. They are required to take all necessary precautions to safeguard workers' health and safety, provide a safe work environment, supply suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), regularly assess workplace risks, educate workers regarding hazards, provide on-site first aid arrangements, thoroughly document work-related accidents, and establish a joint employer-worker safety and health committee for larger establishments.

Workers in Jordan also have specific rights and duties regarding OSH. They have the right to a safe workplace, the right to refuse dangerous work, the right to access OSH information, and the right to participate in improving workplace safety. They are also required to comply with safety rules and instructions, use PPE correctly, and report hazards.

Jordanian OSH laws cover a range of specific risk areas including work injuries and disease, hazardous substances, construction safety, machinery safety, and fire prevention. The Ministry of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Directorate is responsible for enforcing OSH laws.

Occupational health and safety (OHS) in Jordan is a crucial aspect of the working environment, aimed at protecting the well-being of workers. The framework for OHS is established by national legislation and shaped by international guidelines.

Key Legislation

The primary legal framework for OHS in Jordan is the Labor Law (No. 8 of 1996). Key chapters within the law address general occupational safety and health standards and work injuries and compensation provisions. The Protection of the Environment Law (No. 52 of 2006) also provides some overlap with OHS by addressing environmental-related hazards and risks in the workplace.

Regulatory Bodies

The Ministry of Labor (MoL) is the primary agency overseeing and enforcing OHS regulations. The ministry includes a dedicated Occupational Safety and Health Directorate. The Ministry of Health (MoH) cooperates with the MoL on health-focused aspects of OHS, such as occupational disease prevention initiatives and worker health surveillance programs. The Social Security Corporation (SSC) oversees compensation programs for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Specific OHS Standards and Requirements

Jordan's OHS framework mandates several areas of focus for employers. These include hazard prevention and control, safe work practices, provision of first aid and medical care, emergency preparedness, workplace hygiene and sanitation, and worker participation and consultation.

Areas of Improvement and Challenges

While Jordan has an existing OHS framework, there are recognized challenges. These include limited enforcement capacity due to resource constraints, a large portion of the workforce in informal or unregulated sectors, and a lack of awareness and training, particularly in smaller enterprises.

Workplace inspections are a crucial part of ensuring occupational health and safety compliance in Jordan. The Occupational Safety and Health Directorate under the Ministry of Labor (MoL) is responsible for carrying out these inspections. The MoL and its inspectors are empowered by the Labor Law (No. 8 of 1996) to enter workplaces without prior notice, conduct comprehensive examinations, interview workers and employers, and access relevant OHS records and documentation.

Key Entity for Inspections

• Ministry of Labor (MoL): The Occupational Safety and Health Directorate under the MoL is responsible for conducting workplace inspections.

Legal Basis

• Labor Law (No. 8 of 1996): This law empowers the MoL and its inspectors to conduct inspections.

Inspection Criteria

Inspections in Jordan are guided by national OHS regulations and can be tailored to industry-specific hazards and risks. Common areas of focus include machinery and equipment safety, chemical hazards, electrical safety, fire safety, ergonomics, personal protective equipment (PPE), and first aid and medical arrangements.

Inspection Frequency

The frequency of inspections is not defined by the Labor Law. It can be influenced by factors such as the workplace size and hazard profile, accident or incident history, and workers' complaints.

Inspection Procedures

The inspection process includes entry/notice, an opening meeting, a workplace walk-through, interviews and record review, a closing meeting, and a written report.

Follow-Up Actions

If violations are found, employers are given deadlines to rectify them. Follow-up visits may occur to verify correction of previously cited issues. The Labor Law allows for fines and in severe cases, even temporary workplace closure for non-compliance.

In Jordan, there are specific protocols in place to ensure a systematic response to workplace accidents and to support workers' compensation.

Reporting Requirements

Under the Labor Law (No. 8 of 1996), employers are required to notify the Ministry of Labor (MoL) about serious accidents and fatalities within 24 hours of the occurrence. They must also report all work-related injuries to the Social Security Corporation (SSC) for compensation claims. Additionally, employers are expected to maintain detailed records of all accidents and injuries, regardless of their severity.

Investigation Processes

Employers are obligated to promptly investigate accidents to identify root causes and implement preventive measures. The MoL may also conduct formal investigations, especially for serious accidents or suspected violations. These investigations can involve site visits, interviews with involved personnel, and a review of records and documentation.

Compensation Claims

The SSC manages the work injury insurance program in Jordan. Workers can file compensation claims for temporary disability, permanent disability, and death benefits.

Claim Process

The injured worker or their representatives submit a claim with supporting documentation, such as medical reports and the accident report. The SSC then evaluates the claim and determines eligibility and compensation amounts. If approved, the SSC provides payments according to the established benefits scheme.

Important Considerations

There are specific timeframes for reporting accidents and filing SSC claims. Employers are generally obligated to cover the cost of medical treatment for workplace injuries. In cases of disagreement about compensation, workers may have recourse to labor courts.