Oman - 2013

1.1 Description of OSH regulatory framework

2.1 Health and safety covers physical and psychological health

2.2 Definition of worker

• 2.2.1 Coverage of particular categories of workers

  Sometimes.
  

  • 2.2.1.1 Migrant workers

    Summary/citation: Unless otherwise excepted by a special provision all employers and workers shall be subject to the provisions of the Labour Code, and all kind of establishments and their national and foreign branches, which practice their activities within the Sultanate, whether they are public or private, including the national and foreign institutions of the private education.
    (Labour Code, Art. 4)

    Part II of the Labour Code is entirely dedicated to the Employment of Citizens and the Regulation of Foreigners' Work.
    (Labour Code, Part II)

    All establishments subject to the Labour Code issued by Royal Decree No. 32/2003 shall comply with the provisions of the Occupational Safety Regulations.
    (Occupational Safety Regulations, Art. 2)

    Remarks / comments: Migrant workers are included in the scope of application of the OSH legislation.

    • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Art. 2)

    • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Chapter 1, Article 4; Part II)

  • 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers

    Summary/citation: The provisions of the Labour Code do not apply to domestic servants working inside the house or outside in occupations such as a drivers, maids, cooks and those with similar jobs.
    

    Restrictions / obligations: The Minister shall by his decision, issue the rules and terms of work relating to these categories.

    Remarks / comments: Domestic workers are excluded from the scope of application of the OSH legislation.

    • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Chapter 1, Article 3)

  • 2.2.1.3 Home workers

    Summary/citation: The worker is defined as every natural person who works with the employer in consideration of a wage and under his management and supervision (Art. 1).

    Unless otherwise excepted by a special provision all employers and workers shall be subject to the provisions of the Labour Code, and all kind of establishments and their national and foreign branches, which practice their activities within the Sultanate, whether they are public or private, including the national and foreign institutions of the private education (Art. 4).

    Remarks / comments: Home workers may fall under the broad definition of worker provided for in the Labour Code.

    • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Arts. 1, 4)

  • 2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons

    Summary/citation: The worker is defined as every natural person who works with the employer in consideration of a wage and under his management and supervision (Art. 1).

    Unless otherwise excepted by a special provision all employers and workers shall be subject to the provisions of the Labour Code, and all kind of establishments and their national and foreign branches, which practice their activities within the Sultanate, whether they are public or private, including the national and foreign institutions of the private education (Art. 4).

    Remarks / comments: There are not any provisions specifically addressing self-employed persons and they may do not fall under the definition of worker provided for in the Labour Code which suggests the element of subordination throughout the wording "under his management and supervision".

    However, self-employed persons may still be included within the scope of application of OSH legislation since the Labour Code indicates that "unless otherwise excepted by a special provision all employers and workers shall be subject to the provisions of the Labour Code".

    • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Arts. 1, 4)

2.3 Definition of employer

2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity

• 2.4.1 Agriculture

  Summary/citation: Unless otherwise excepted by a special provision all employers and workers shall be subject to the provisions of the Labour Code, and all kind of establishments and their national and foreign branches, which practice their activities within the Sultanate, whether they are public or private, including the national and foreign institutions of the private education.

  Remarks / comments: Agriculture is not excluded from the scope of OSH legislation.

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Art. 4)

• 2.4.2 Construction

  Summary/citation: Unless otherwise excepted by a special provision all employers and workers shall be subject to the provisions of the Labour Code, and all kind of establishments and their national and foreign branches, which practice their activities within the Sultanate, whether they are public or private, including the national and foreign institutions of the private education.

  Remarks / comments: Construction is not excluded from the scope of OSH legislation.

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Art. 4)

• 2.4.3 Services

  Summary/citation: Unless otherwise excepted by a special provision all employers and workers shall be subject to the provisions of the Labour Code, and all kind of establishments and their national and foreign branches, which practice their activities within the Sultanate, whether they are public or private, including the national and foreign institutions of the private education.

  Remarks / comments: Services are not excluded from the scope of OSH legislation.

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003.

• 2.4.4 Public sector

  Summary/citation: The Labour Code does not apply to members of the armed forces and public security organizations and employees of the state administrative apparatus and other government units.

  Remarks / comments: The public sector is excluded from the scope of OSH legislation.

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Chapter 2, Article 2)

• 2.4.5 Other

  Summary/citation: The Labour Code does not apply to members of the employer's family who are dependent upon him.
  

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Chapter 2, Article 2)

2.5 Definition of occupational accident

2.6 Definition of occupational disease

• 2.6.1 List of occupational diseases

  Summary/citation: Order 2009/5 includes a list of occupational diseases.
  

  • Occupational Disease List D 2009/5

• 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones

  No data available.
  

3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work

• 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  No data available.
  

• 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition

  Yes.
  

3.2 National OSH research programme or institute

• 3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary/citation: Ministry of Manpower is responsible for OSH related issues in general. The National OSH Committee is responsible for the encouragement of research and studies in OSH.
  There is a committee in charge of undertaking research on OSH matters in relation to youth, women and minors as per MD 38/2003.
  

  • Decision 368/2007 on the composition of the committee on OSH (Art. 2)

  • The Ministry of Manpower Order No. 38/2003 related to the establishment of a Committee in charge of undertaking a study on occupational health and safety conditions of workers as well as vulnerable groups - women, youth and minors.

• 3.2.2 Governance board constitution and chairmanship

  No data available.
  

• 3.2.3 Source of funding

  No data available.
  

3.3 National OSH programme

• 3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme

  No data available.
  

4.1 Duty to ensure the health and safety of employees

4.2 Duty to protect the health and safety of people other than their own employees

4.3 Collaboration among two or more employers at the same workplace

4.4 Surveillance of workers’ health in relation to work

• 4.4.1 Specific hazards for which surveillance is required

  Summary / Citation: Medical tests shall be repeated for the worker who is exposed to an occupational disease within a period shorter than that stipulated if the worker's health requires such a procedure.
  Workers who expose themselves to bio- hazards must be vaccinated, as seen necessary, against contagious diseases which are transmitted from animals or from patients exposed to them due to the nature of their work.
  The employer has to conduct medical examination for workers exposed to contagious diseases when workers are moved from one job to another, or at the end of their services. The results of medical tests must be kept in the worker's file. These results will be kept in a special file even after the end of the worker's service.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter 3, Section 1, Art. 21-24)

4.5 Surveillance of the working environment and working practices

4.6 Duty to provide personal protective equipment

4.7 Duty to ensure the usage of personal protective equipment

4.8 Duty to provide first-aid and welfare facilities

• 4.8.1 Arrangements for first-aid

  Summary / Citation: The OSH supervisor shall follow-up on the provision of first aid. There must be one or more first-aid kits in every establishment for medical care, considering the following:
  1. The kit must contain the requirements of first-aid such as the medications and equipment needed for first-aid.
  2. The kit must be close to the water source in a reasonable temperature with nothing in it but the medical requirements. A crescent should be drawn on the kit.
  3. The inspector may ask for more first-aid requirements or their quantity if necessary according to the size of the establishment or the nature of work.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part Two, Chapter One, Article 11; Part Three, Article 25 )

• 4.8.2 Sanitary installations

  Summary / Citation: The employer shall take all necessary actions to assure that conditions prevailing in the utilities of the workplace are sufficient for safekeeping the safety and health of workers. The ministerial Decision provides detailed specifications concerning, toilets and bathrooms, among others.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part Two, Chapter One, Article 17)

• 4.8.3 Drinking water

  Summary / Citation: The employer has to make sure that the conditions prevailing in the workplace are sufficiently safe for the workers' health particularly, concerning drinking water:
  1. Providing the workers with sufficient potable water within easy reach.
  2. Provision of tightly closed water tanks made of strong non-corrosive materials connected to two pipes (excess and ventilation). Tanks must be cleaned at least once a year.
  3. Distribution of water in the establishment through a network of proper, non-corrosive pipes.
  4. Marking the pipes and tanks used for non-potable water with a different colour.
  5. Provision of a reasonable number of water coolers proportionate to the number of workers.
  6. The drinking water containers must be tightly closed and their water must be changed daily and the containers washed and cleaned at least twice a week.
  7. Bacterial analysis of the groundwater shall be carried out once every (6) months, and chemical testing once a year in one of the government laboratories, to verify is validity. The result of analysis shall be recorded in a special register which must be kept for this purpose.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part Two, Chapter One, Article 16)

• 4.8.4 Rest and eating areas

  Summary / Citation: The employer has to make sure that the conditions prevailing in the work place are sufficiently safe for the workers' health. The following shall particularly be observed:

  Rest roooms
  1. Rest rooms should be availed close to workplaces.
  2. They must be equipped with adequate furniture and ventilation.
  3. They must be regularly cleaned.

  Workers' Sleeping Places
  1. The surface height of the building's floor should not be less then 20 cm. from the level of the exterior surroundings of accommodation place.
  2. There must be enough inlets for ventilation and lighting. All windows must be covered with netted thin wires.
  3. An area of (4) meters must be allotted in sleeping rooms for the worker's bed, leaving at least one meter between one bed and the other. A cupboard shall be provided for each worker to keep his clothes and personal belongings. Beds shall not be put one over the other or in places other than the sleeping rooms.
  4. Bed sheets shall be kept clean.
  5. The wooden buildings or tents designed for the workers to sleep in must be made of fire-resistant substances.
  6. Provision of adequate ACs.
  7. Providing the living places with potable water and one toilet for not more than (10) workers.
  8. Provision of tightly closed trash bins.
  9. Fighting the various kinds of insects and rodents and sterilizing the rooms and furniture once a year and keeping a record of the results.
  10. Workers' living places shall not be used as stores.
  11. Providing all requirements of emergency cases if the workers', living place is far from public services facilities.

  Areas Designated For Serving Food
  1. Food serving, cooking and storage places must be well lighted, ventilated and all windows shall be covered with natted thin wires.
  2. Places where food is prepared and served, and all containers used must be clean. All materials used for preparing food and beverages must be kept in clean, tightly closed containers.
  3. A separate place must be set apart for cooking.
  4. Food serving places must be provided with hand-washing basins, soaps and towels.
  5. These places must be equipped with sufficient tables and chairs with smooth surfaces.
  6. Tightly closed waste bins must be provided and waste must be disposed of regularly.
  7. A separate place must be designated for female workers.
  In mines and quarries, the employer shall provide the worker with three meals a day in a restaurant to be established by him for this purpose.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part Two, Chapter One, Article 16)

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Part Seven, Article 103)

5.1 Elements of an OSH management system

• 5.1.1 Policy or plan specifying responsibilities and arrangements for health and safety

  Summary/citation: The employer is obliged to set up an OSH programme adequate to the nature and size of the establishment.
  

  Restrictions / obligations: The OSH programme shall be set when there are 10 or more workers.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part One, Chapter Two, Article 10)

• 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety

  Summary/citation: According to the Occupational Safety Regulations an OSH supervisor is "any person who performs a protective role in establishments through supervising the application of the conditions and standards of safekeeping workers against the various hazards caused by work environment on an assignment by the administrative body of the establishment".
  
  The employer who employs (50) or more workers shall assign a qualified supervisor to handle the OSH tasks. this supervisor shall directly report to the employer or his reprentative, and shall set up a plan for OSH, the periodical inspections of all work sites, conducting assessment, protective measures against hazards of work environment using adequate equipment, register the results in a special record, check accidents and work injuries, occupational diseases and investigate their reasons, if any.
  He shall prepare, reports on them including the ways and precautions that will prevent their recurrence. He shall follow up the provision of first aid materials and basic health care for workers including taking the injured to medical centres or hospitats if required. He shall also take part with the professionals in setting up training proqrammes for the workers to protect them against the hazards of the work environment and voice his opinion on the purchase of machinery or materials and shall prepare guiding and warning signboards on all matters related to OSH within the establishment.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part One, Chapter Two, Article 11)

• 5.1.3 Written risk assessment

  Summary/citation: The employer shall take all the necessary actions and procedures to assure that the materials, factors and conditions existing in the work environment do not pose any hazard to the workers' health. The results of the periodical assessments and actions related to the levels of the various hazards existing in work environment shall be kept in a special record.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part One, Chapter Two, Article 7)

• 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures

  Summary/citation: If an employer employs (10) or more workers, he shall set up an OSH programme adequate to the nature and size of the establishment.This programme shall incorporate the following:
  1- The policy and goals of the OSH in the establishment.
  2- The duties and commitments of the employer and the worker.
  3- The organization and management of the OSH.
  4- The specified authorities and responsibilities of the establishment' management who are Hauthorized to develop and implement the OSH policies and goals.
  5- The specific work hazards that result from work, the methods of their assessment and the mechanisms for analyzing them.
  6- The specified protective arrangements, the emergency plans.
  7- Specify training programmes on the OSH procedures.
  8- Identify specifications regarding the purchase or rent of OSH equipment for work.
  9- The mechanism for monitoring the performance of OSH in the activities of the contractors working with the establishment.
  10- A timetable for testing the equipment or materials that may expose workers to hazards.
  11- A timetable for conducting medical examinations for workers.
  12- Investigation into the work accidents and taking the necessary actions to prevent the repetition of such accidents.
  13- The procedures that have to be carried out by workers in cases of serious hazards.
  14- The procedures that have to be carried out by the workers who are exposed to occupational hazards before leaving the work site.
  15- Prohibitions related to accident site.
  16- Method of submitting or receiving workers' complaints regarding work hazards and the means of handling them.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part One, Chapter Two, Article 10)

• 5.1.5 Training and information on risks

  Summary/citation: The employer or his representative shall inform workers, before they take up work, of all the hazards they may be exposed to, and train them on the protective procedures.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part One, Chapter Two, Article 7)

• 5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures

  Summary/citation: If an employer employs (10) or more workers, he shall set up an OSH programme adequate to the nature and size of the establishment.
  The employer who employs (50) or more workers shall assign a qualified supervisor to handle the OSH tasks. this supervisor shall directly report to the employer or his reprentative, and shall set up a plan for OSH, the periodical inspections of all work sites, conducting assessment, protective measures against hazards of work environment using adequate equipment, register the results in a special record, check accidents and work injuries, occupational diseases and investigate their reasons, if any.
  He shall prepare, reports on them including the ways and precautions that will prevent their recurrence. He shall follow up the provision of first aid materials and basic health care for workers including taking the injured to medical centres or hospitats if required. He shall also take part with the professionals in setting up training proqrammes for the workers to protect them against the hazards of the work environment and voice his opinion on the purchase of machinery or materials and shall prepare guiding and warning signboards on all matters related to OSH within the establishment.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part One, Chapter Two, Articles 10- 11)

• 5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety

  Summary/citation: If an employer employs (10) or more workers, he shall set up an OSH programme adequate to the nature and size of the establishment. This programme shall incorporate the method of submitting or receiving workers' complaints regarding work hazards and the means of handling them.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part One, Chapter Two, Article 10)

5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard

6.1 OSH competence

• 6.1.1 Requirement to access expert advice and/or support in health and safety

  No data available.
  

  • 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services

    No data available.
    

6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner

• 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners

  Summary/citation: The employer who employs (50) or more workers shall assign a qualified supervisor to handle the OSH task.
  If an employer employs (10) or more workers, he shall set up an OSH programme adequate to the nature and size of the establishment. This includes the organization and management of the OSH.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part One, Chapter Two, Arts. 10-11)

7.1 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and health

7.2 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.3 Supervisors’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.4 Senior officers’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.5 Self-employed persons’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own and other people’s health and safety

7.6 Duty to comply with OSH-related requirements

7.7 Right to enquire about risks and preventive measures

7.8 Right to remove themselves from a dangerous situation

7.9 Right to be reassigned to non-hazard work

• 7.9.1 Right to withdraw with compensation when workers are not reassigned to non-hazard work

  Summary / Citation: A worker may abandon the work before the termination of the contract, and retain his full rights if there is a serious danger which threatens his/her health or safety, provided that the employer was aware of the existence of this danger and had not implemented safety measures described by the relevant authorities in time.
  If the worker abandons the work for the reason above, then the employer shall be obliged to pay him a gratuity for the period of his service and without prejudice to the worker's entitlement to such a compensation as may be decided.
  

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Chapter Six, Section Seven, Arts. 41-42)

8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body

• 8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary / Citation: The tasks of the National OSH Committee include:
  - Preparation of the National Plan on OSH so as to include proposals regarding OSH policies in the private sector in line with the Labour Code and relevant Ministerial Decisions, as well as a proposal regarding the promotion of OSH awareness among employers and workers;
  - Investigation of serious work accidents for the purpose of specifying control measures to be undertaken by employers and workers;
  - Coordination between the Ministry of Manpower programmes and those of other Ministries, private sector and other concerned parties in the field of OSH;
  - Dissemination of good OSH practices to all establishments for the purpose of promoting safety at the work place;
  - Encouragement of research and studies in OSH;
  - Encouragement of employers and workers in OSH and in the successful implementation of OSH programmes;
  - Participation of national staff in OSH;
  - Exchange of experience with associations, committees and other parties working in the field of OSH;
  - Provision of advice with regard to the legislation on OSH;
  - Organization of meetings for the purpose of discussing OSH matters;
  - Cooperation with Arab and International Organizations concerned with OSH;
  - Role as a consultative body in OSH;
  - Action on other matters submitted by the Minister of Manpower.

  • Decision 368/2007 on the composition of the committee on OSH (Article 2)

• 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities

  Summary / Citation: The Ministry of Manpower is the main institution responsible for ensuring overall OSH, as the Minister in coordination with government authorities should determine general measures of safety and occupational health which shall be applied in all places of work.

  Ministerial Decision No. 368/2007 calls for a Committee on OSH headed by the Ministry of Manpower Labour Under Secretary and members representing the following:

  Public Sector
  - Ministry of Health;
  - Ministry of Transport and Communication;
  - Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources;
  - Ministry of National Economy;
  - Ministry of Manpower;
  - Sultan Qaboos University;
  - Royal Oman Police;
  - Muscat Municipality;
  - Dhofar Municipality;
  - Public Authority for Social Insurance.

  Private Sector
  - Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
  - Joint Committee for Oil and Gas Sector;
  - Joint Committee for Contracting Sector;
  - Petroleum Development Oman;
  - General Federation of Oman Trade Unions.

  • Decision 368/2007 on the composition of the committee on OSH (Art. 1)

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Part Six, Article 89 )

8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks

8.3 Workers’ right to select their representatives for health and safety matters

• 8.3.1 Workforce size conditions for workers’ representation in health and safety

  No data available.
  

• 8.3.2 Conditions of eligibility to represent workers in health and safety

  No data available.
  

8.4 OSH representatives’ functions, rights and powers

• 8.4.1 Right to inspect the workplace

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.2 Right to access OSH information

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.3 Right to be present at interviews

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.4 Right to receive professional assistance from OSH experts

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.5 Right to accompany inspectors

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.6 Right to use facilities

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.7 Right to have time off work with pay to perform duties

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.8 Right to issue remedial notices

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.9 Right to resolve OSH issues in consultation with employers

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.10 Right to direct that dangerous work cease

  No data available.
  

8.5 Right of workers’ representatives from outside the undertaking to address OSH issues at the workplace

• 8.5.1 Right to enter the workplace

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.2 Right to investigate suspected non-compliance with OSH legislation

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.3 Right to consult with workers

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.4 Right to advise workers

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.5 Right to initiate enforcement action

  No data available.
  

8.6 Joint OSH Committee

• 8.6.1 Participation of workers’ representatives in joint OSH committee

  No data available.
  

• 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee

  No data available.
  

• 8.6.3 Objectives, roles and/or functions of joint OSH committees

  No data available.
  

• 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees

  No data available.
  

• 8.6.5 Sharing the minutes of joint OSH committees meetings

  No data available.
  

8.7 Mandatory training for members of joint OSH committee(s)

8.8 Protection against reprisals

8.9 Immunity from civil and criminal liability for exercising OSH related rights and duties

9.1 Biological hazards

9.2 Chemical hazards

• 9.2.1 Handling, storage, labelling and use

  Summary / Citation: The user, defined as "any natural or juridical person who has obtained a permit from the Department to handle or use hazardous chemicals" should take necessary precautions to protect the working staff against health hazards and work risks and provide them with complete personal protective kits. The user must be fully aware of and trained in the best possible means of handling and confronting the risks of chemicals according to the Regulations issued in this respect.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008).

  • Royal Decree No. 46/95 Issuing the Law on Handling and Use of Chemicals. (Art. 12)

• 9.2.2 Duty of manufacturers, suppliers and importers of chemicals in relation to the safety and health of users

  Summary / Citation: Precautionary measures shall be adopted to protect workers against the risks of exposure to the chemicals which leak to the work environment such as gases and dust and the liquids and acids which they may include. Detailed provisions specify aspects to take into consideration.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Section 6, Art. 37)

• 9.2.3 Pesticides

  Yes.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter 4, Section 2, Article 42)

9.3 Ergonomic hazards

9.4 Physical hazards

• 9.4.1 Ionising radiation

  Yes.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008).

  • Regulations for control and management of radioactive materials MD249/97

• 9.4.2 Vibration and noise

  Summary / Citation: The Ministerial Decision also provides specific details concerning permissible daily exposure to noise, use of methods to prevent or minimize noise and provision of ear protectors.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part Two, Chapter One, Article 16)

• 9.4.3 Working at height

  Summary / Citation: The employer or his representative shall take the necessary actions to provide adequate protection to the workers' safety during their presence in work sites. This includes that high bridges, passages and platforms shall be prepared one or more meters above ground level with non-slippery floors surrounded by rails, except inlets and the sides where loading is carried out. They shall be provided with fixed ladders.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part Two, Chapter One, Article 15)

• 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces

  Summary / Citation: The employer or his representative shall take the necessary actions to provide adequate protection to the workers' safety during their presence in work sites. This includes that the space allotted for each individual worker must be at least (11 1/2) cubic meters. This excludes any height that exceeds (41/2) meters in work rooms, and also the sizes of machinery and work tools. The space allotted for the worker who performs office work should not be less than (7) cubic meters.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part Two, Chapter One, Article 15)

• 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities

  Summary / Citation: The needed procedures for maintenance of the workplace are established in the legislation.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part Two, Chapter One, Article 15, Article 16 )

• 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures

  Yes.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter Two, Article 16, Paragraph 3)

• 9.4.7 Fire risks

  Summary / Citation: The Ministerial Decision also provides specific details on methods and equipment for fire fighting.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter 4, Section 1, Article 30)

• 9.4.8 Tobacco

  Summary / Citation: The legislation provides that workplace must be supportive to general health by adopting the prohibition of smoking in the workplace and providing the workers with programmes that help them to quit smoking.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter 2, Article 26)

• 9.4.9 Asbestos

  Summary / Citation: The legislation provides that the employer, or his representative shall take required measures to protect the workers against the hazards of all types arising of the asbestos in the workplace.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter 4, Article 40)

• 9.4.10 Risks related to nanotechnology

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.11 Contraction of HIV in the workplace

  No data available.
  

9.5 Psychosocial hazards

• 9.5.1 Psychosocial risks

  Summary / Citation: The workplace must be supportive to general health by enhancing the psychological health and social integration of psychologically unstable workers. The Ministerial Decision provides some steps to achieve this.
  Also, the worker must inform the employer or his representative of any psychological problems he occasionally or permanently suffers and which may affect his performance at work in terms of safety.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Part Three, Arts. 26-27)

• 9.5.2 Occupational violence

  No data available.
  

9.6 Other hazardous substances

9.7 Machineries

• 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools

  Summary / Citation: The employer, or his representative shall take necessary precautionary measures to protect workers against mechanical and electrical risks. The Ministerial Decision provides specific measures on hazards of lift tools, heavy duty machinery and workers` transport buses, manual work tools, boilers and vapor and air reservoirs.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008).

• 9.7.2 Duty of designers and/or manufacturers of machineries in relation to the occupational safety and health of operators of machineries

  Summary / Citation: The employer, or his representative shall take necessary precautionary measures to protect workers against mechanical and electrical risks. The Ministerial Decision provides specific measures on hazards of lift tools, heavy duty machinery and workers` transport buses, manual work tools, boilers and vapor and air reservoirs.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Arts. 34 and ff.)

• 9.7.3 Duty of designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of machineries to provide machineries information

  No data available.
  

• 9.7.4 Duty to purchase machineries from authorised/certificated suppliers or only if approved/certificated

  No data available.
  

• 9.7.5 Maintenance of machinery and equipment

  Summary / Citation: The employer, or his representative shall take necessary precautionary measures to protect workers against mechanical and electrical risks. The Ministerial Decision provides specific measures on hazards of lift tools, heavy duty machinery and workers` transport buses, manual work tools, boilers and vapor and air reservoirs.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Arts. 34 and ff)

  • 9.7.5.1 List of equipment where applicable

    No data available.
    

9.8 Provisions to protect workers in specific condition of vulnerability

• 9.8.1 Protection of pregnancy at work

  Summary / Citation: The employer must observe not to employ women in any conditions that may expose them to materials, factors or occupational practices which do not suit women's physiological capabilities or directly or indirectly lead to negative impact on safe delivery of children or the health or safety of fetuses or infants.
  In addition the OSH Ministerial Decision sets out specific limits to exposure to radioactives for pregnant women.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Section 1, Chapter 3, Art. 28)

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Art. 83)

• 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work

  Summary / Citation: The employer must observe not to employ women in any conditions that may expose them to materials, factors or occupational practices which do not suit women's physiological capabilities or directly or indirectly lead to negative impact on safe delivery of children or the health or safety of fetuses or infants.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Section 1, Chapter 3, Art. 28)

• 9.8.3 Limits to women’s access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts

  Summary / Citation: Women shall not be required to perform works which are harmful to the health or hard works or such other works as may be specified by a decision of the Minister. Legislation also lays down that females shall not be required to work between nine p.m. and six a.m. except in cases, works, and occasions specified by a decision by the Minister.

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Part 5, Chapter 1, Articles 80-86)

• 9.8.4 Limits to workers’ access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts by reason of age

  Summary / Citation: The employment of juveniles from both sexes or provision of permission to enter the places of work before they attain the age of fifteen is prohibited. The aforesaid age may be raised by a decision of the Minister in respect of certain industries and works that so require.

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Part 5, Chapter 1, Articles 75-79)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Direct Request 2019
  

10.1 Duty to record and/or investigate the causes of work accidents, near misses incidents and cases of occupational diseases

• 10.1.1 Work-related accidents

  Summary / Citation: The employer who employs (50) or more workers must provide the department or section with periodical statistics on serious accidents, work injuries and occupational diseases that have been proved. These statistics shall be submitted in January and July annually.
  The owner of the establishment shall be committed to notifying the department or section in writing within (24) hours of any serious accident, work injury or occupational disease whose occurrence has been proved taking into account notifying the public Authority for social insurance (PASI) of the work injury that occured to workers covered by insurance.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter Two, Arts. 12-13)

• 10.1.2 Near miss incidents

  No data available.
  

• 10.1.3 Occupational diseases

  Summary / Citation: The employer who employs (50) or more workers must provide the department or section with periodical statistics on serious accidents, work injuries and occupational diseases that have been proved. These statistics shall be submitted in January and July annually.
  The owner of the establishment shall be committed to notifying the department or section in writing within (24) hours of any serious accident, work injury or occupational disease whose occurrence has been proved taking into account notifying the public Authority for social insurance (PASI) of the work injury that occured to workers covered by insurance.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter Two, Arts. 12-13)

10.2 Employers’ duty to notify OSH authorities of work related death and/or injuries to health

11.1 Appointment of OSH inspectors

11.2 OSH inspectors’ powers

• 11.2.1 Power to enter workplaces

  Summary / Citation: The inspector has the right to enter the workplace at any time and without prior notice.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter One, Section One, Article 3)

• 11.2.2 Power to inspect and carry out any examination, test or enquiry

  Summary / Citation: Inspectors are responsible for:
  - Looking into the technical and scientific characteristics of the materials and compounds used, taking samples of the materials and tools to conduct analysis.
  - Asking to conduct medical or laboratory investigations on the workers.
  - Conducting any investigations that may contribute to ensuring compliance with the provisions of these regulations.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter One, Section One, Article 3 )

• 11.2.3 Power to investigate

  Summary / Citation: Inspectors are responsible for:
  - Looking into the technical and scientific characteristics of the materials and compounds used, taking samples of the materials and tools to conduct analysis.
  - Asking to conduct medical or laboratory investigations on the workers.
  - Conducting any investigations that may contribute to ensuring compliance with the provisions of these regulations.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter One, Section One, Article 3 )

• 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH

  Summary / Citation: Inspectors are responsible for:
  Directing the employers to what they see necessary to avoid the hazards of work and equipment, their protective actions, minimizing their impact and raising the levels of protective awareness of occupational diseases in hazardous, harmful industries and businesses.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter One, Section One, Article 3 )

11.3 OSH inspectors’ enforcement powers

• 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices

  Summary / Citation: The inspector is authorised to issue the necessary orders to rectify violations within a specific period of time.
  

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter One, Section One, Article 4)

• 11.3.2 Power to impose financial penalties

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.3 Power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorisations

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.4 Power to require the cessation of dangerous work

  Summary / Citation: The inspector is authorised to proceed with immediate stoppage of work partially or totally, or stoppage of one or more machines in case of an eminent hazard, and seek the assistance of the ROP if necessary.

  • Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code (Ministerial Decision 286/2008). (Chapter One, Section One, Article 4)

• 11.3.5 Power to initiate prosecutions

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.6 Power to conduct prosecutions

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.7 Other enforcement powers

  No data available.
  

11.4 Application of sanctions by courts

• 11.4.1 Financial penalties for legal persons

  Summary / Citation: Whoever violates the provisions of Part Five shall be punished with fine not exceeding R.O. 100 (259.8 USD) and the penalty shall be multiplied by the number of workers who are the subject of such violations and the penalty shall be doubled in case of repetition of such violations (Art. 118).

  Every employer who violates any provision in Part 7 of the Labour Code shall be punished with fine not exceeding R.O. 100 (259.8 USD) for each worker and the penalty shall be doubled in case of repetition of such violation (Art. 119).

  Restrictions / obligations: Without prejudice to any severer penalty provided in any other law (Art. 111).
  

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Part Ten, Arts. 111, 118, 119)

• 11.4.2 Financial penalties for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: Whoever violates the provisions of Part Five shall be punished with fine not exceeding R.O. 100 (259.8 USD) and the penalty shall be multiplied by the number of workers who are the subject of such violations and the penalty shall be doubled in case of repetition of such violations (Art. 118).

  Every employer who violates any provision in Part 7 of the Labour Code shall be punished with fine not exceeding R.O. 100 (259.8 USD) for each worker and the penalty shall be doubled in case of repetition of such violation (Art. 119).

  Restrictions / obligations: Without prejudice to any severer penalty provided in any other law (Art. 111).

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Part Ten, Article 111, 118, 119)

• 11.4.3 Non-financial sanctions

  No data available.
  

• 11.4.4 Criminal liability

  Summary / Citation: In case of violations of provisions under Part 5 of the Labour Code regulating the employment of juveniles and women, and when these are committed for the second time during one year from the date of the judgement, the employer may be punished with imprisonment (Art. 118).

  Every employer who violates Article 92 of the Labour Code which regulates the employment of workers in mines and quarries shall be punished with imprisonment (Art. 119).

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Art. 118, 119)

• 11.4.5 Terms of imprisonment for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: In case of violations of provisions under Part 5 of the Labour Code regulating the employment of juveniles and women, the maximum duration of imprisonment is of one week (Art. 118)

  A maximum of one month imprisonment may be imposed when there is a violation of Article 92 of the Labour Code which regulates the employment of workers in mines and quarries (Art. 119).

  Remarks / comments: Without prejudice to any severer penalty provided in any other law (Art. 111).

  • Omani Labour Code of 26 April 2003. (Part Ten, Arts.111, 118, 119)