Over 100 warnings issued to establishments for violating safety norms — Labour Ministry

AMMAN — More than 109 warnings were issued against various establishments on Monday for “not complying with health and safety measures,” as the Ministry of Labour has began a crackdown in various governorates.

Labour Minister Nidal Batayneh directed the ministry's inspection teams to carry out visits to establishments in various sectors as of Monday evening, after an increase in the numbers of local virus cases in the Kingdom.

“The next step will be to close the establishments in the event of non-compliance," the minister said in a statement sent to The Jordan Times. 

Ministry of Labour Spokesperson Mohammad Zyoud said in remarks to The Jordan Times that the 109 warnings were issued during the first few hours of the inspection tours that started Monday evening.

 “The inspection teams will continue carrying out their surprise rounds on a daily basis to preserve the safety and health of workers in these facilities as well as citizens who are in contact with them,” he added.

Zyoud said that even without the need to be “extra” careful in light of the ongoing pandemic, the Labour Law obligates the employer to “provide the necessary precaution means and work conditions that protect workers from dangers and diseases which could result from work and the machines being used”.

The Labour Law also stipulates that the worker is not obliged to bear the financial costs of these means, in addition to providing personal protection and prevention means for workers as well as guidance for the use of these methods.

Zyoud also pointed out that the Labour Law grants the Minister of Labour the authority for a “complete or partial closure of the establishment and halt the use of any machine that imperils the workers or the establishment.”

The minister may also refer the violator to the judiciary, Zyoud concluded.