Managing Workplace Injuries And Fatalities In Qatar And The UAE: What Do Employers Need To Know?

The death of a construction worker at one of Qatar's world cup stadiums in October has once again brought workplace health and safety into sharp focus, not only in Qatar but in the wider GCC, particularly in the construction sector. It is critical that employers are aware of the legislative and regulatory framework relating to workplace health and safety in their jurisdiction and sector. Despite an employer's best efforts, injuries/fatalities will inevitably occur in the workplace from time to time, particularly in more labour intensive sectors. It is therefore also important that employers know what to expect in the event such an injury/fatality occurs and are properly prepared for such events. This article explores the legislative and regulatory framework and what an employer can expect in the event that a workplace injury/fatality occurs.

What laws / regulations apply?

There is no standalone health and safety law in Qatar and the UAE which makes it extremely challenging for employers to identify their obligations towards employee health and safety. The key provisions governing workplace injury in Qatar are found in the Qatar Labour Law (Qatar Law No 14 of 2004, as amended). In addition to the provisions under the Qatar Labour Law, the Qatari Government established the National Committee of Occupational Health and Safety within the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (Ministry of Labour) which is responsible for high-level policy as well as enforcement.

As with Qatar, health and safety law in the UAE is derived from various federal and local laws. The UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980, as amended) and the UAE Penal Code (Law No. 3 of 1987, as amended) are the primary sources of law on workplace injuries and an employer's duty of care. However, in an added layer of complexity, Emirate level and sector specific laws and regulations have also been enacted which are only applicable to specific industries and sectors (for example, the construction sector).

What can an employer expect where a workplace injury / fatality occurs?

  1. An obligation to report the matter to the authorities

    The Labour Laws of both Qatar and the UAE provide an exhaustive list of injuries and occupational diseases that constitute a reportable incident.

    Should a reportable incident occur, the employer must file a report with the police and the Ministry of Labour (in Qatar) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (in the...

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