Ask Gulf News: When can UAE workers leave their job without notice? These workplace dangers make it legal

Question: I have been working in a plastics factory for almost two years. My question is: what are the types of grave danger in the workplace that allow a worker to leave work without prior notice? Please advise.

Answer: A worker may leave work without notice if there is a grave danger in the workplace that threatens their safety or health, provided that the employer is aware of the danger and has not taken any action to remove or address it.

Article 26 of Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022, issued to implement Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, specifies these circumstances. Subject to Clause (3) of Article (45) of the Decree-Law, the following situations are considered grave dangers that allow a worker to leave work without prior warning:

1. The presence of a possible source of ignition.

2. Exposure to live electrical wires that could cause electric shock or death.

3. The presence of hazardous chemicals that may cause illness.

4. Unusually high or low temperatures that may cause burns.

5. Exposure to loud noises that could lead to permanent hearing loss.

6. Radiation that may cause cancer or blindness.

7. Biological hazards that may cause disease.

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