Ministerial Decree 286/2008 – Occupational Health and Industrial Safety Precautions Regulation – Oman

In 2008 the Ministry of Manpower issued Ministerial Decision no. 286/2008 introducing the Regulation of Occupational Safety and Health for Establishments Governed by the Labour Law. The Regulation provides for a comprehensive regulatory framework with the aim of improving health and safety standards in the workplace and protecting workers from various occupational hazards.

The Regulation consists of 43 Articles covering a wide range of issues including lighting, ventilation, heat stress, noise, uniforms, personal protection equipment, first aid, and occupational diseases.

Content is:

1. Definitions and General Provisions (Article 1)
2. General provisions (Articles 2-14)
3. General Arrangements (Articles 15-16)
4. Utilities (Article 17)
5. Specifications of Work Uniform and Personal Protection Equipment (Article 18)
6. Medical Care (Articles 19-25)
7. Health Friendly Workplaces (Articles 26-27)
8. Protection of women (Article 28)
9. Protection of the Disabled (Articles 29-30)
10. Precautions Against Hazards (Article 31-43)

In general, the workplace must support good health by promoting healthy food and physical activity in the workplace, prohibiting smoking in the workplace, and enhancing the psychological health and social integration of workers.