Panel for labour health to visit Al Qusais labour camp

The decision was taken in the first meeting of the committee which was held on Sunday at the Municipality premises chaired by Salim Bin Mesmar, Director of Public Health Department at Dubai Municipality.

The committee was formed in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to organize the labour affairs in the Emirate of Dubai, and as per an administrative decision by Hussain Nasser Lootah, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality.

The committee has formed three inter-departmental task forces in this regard. The first team, which will be in the Public Health department, will follow up health and environment matters of labour camps. The second team, at the Environment Department, will follow up health and environment matters as well as safety at factories, workshops and other worksites. The third team, at the Building Department, will follow up safety and health issues at construction sites.

The committee's tasks include a review of the Municipality approved requirements and conditions of the environment and health of labourers at the work sites as well as at their accommodations and suggest modifications on these standards and conditions in order to accomplish the best hygienic standards and general safety for the labourers.

It will also follow up with the company owners to ensure that suitable working environments as well as accommodation are provided to the labourers.

The committee will also suggest the sponsoring procedures and rules and the limits on the part of owners and violations as far as the health, environment and general safety of labourers are concerned.

The committee will submit monthly reports to the Director General of Dubai Municipality on the general conduct of the committee and its achievements as well as the obstacles it faces.