New Omani law makes safety gear for workers mandatory

Muscat: Oman has made it mandatory for employers to provide workers with the requisite safety gear commensurate with the nature of their work.

Manpower Minister Dr Jumaa Bin Ali Al Jumaa signed into law new legislation intended to safeguard workers from occupational injuries and hazards.

The bylaw, which came into force on Tuesday, is consistent with workplace safety standards prescribed by the International Labour Organisation and other labour inventions, the local Oman News Agency quoted the ministry as stating.

The new occupational safety bylaw requires employers to provide their workers with Personal Protective Equipment, such as overalls, hard hats, safety boots, gloves, and so on, deemed necessary to protect them from possible workplace hazards.

Managements are also obliged to provide workers with a list of occupational risks associated with their work.

Employers must set aside clean rest areas as well as make available first aid kits. Women and employees with special needs should not be required to perform tasks that are not consistent with their physical abilities.