Muscat – Construction workers in Oman continue to face risks from midday heat, poor-quality protective equipment, overcrowded accommodation and unsafe transport, according to the head of the sector’s trade union.

Khalid bin Yaqub Al Mamari, Head of the General Federation of Oman Workers for the Construction Sector, said violations of the summer midday work ban are still being observed at some sites, alongside a failure to provide air-conditioned rest areas.

In an interview on local radio on Tuesday, Al Mamari said some employers supply low-quality protective equipment to reduce costs, while workers sometimes fail to use helmets and safety harnesses.

“Some companies consider safety equipment and training an additional cost that affects their profits,” he said.

He added that overcrowded and poorly ventilated accommodation prevent workers from getting adequate rest, increasing the risk of illness and workplace accidents.

Al Mamari said many workers are unaware of their rights and occupational safety regulations. Language barriers, limited training and pressure to earn a living often lead them to accept unsafe conditions.

Although Oman’s occupational health and safety regulations meet international standards, he said enforcement and daily compliance remain uneven.

“Some treat safety as a paperwork requirement that ends once an inspection is completed. Safety must be a continuous practice that allows no compromise,” he said.

Subcontracting is another challenge, with responsibility for worker safety sometimes unclear between main contractors and subcontractors. Al Mamari said principal contractors must ensure that subcontractors comply with safety requirements and remain under proper supervision.

He called for regular practical training in languages understood by workers, greater authority for safety officers to stop hazardous operations and an increase in unannounced inspections.

The union is also studying the adoption of road safety practices used by oil and gas companies in the construction sector, in coordination with the Ministry of Labour.

Al Mamari said many incidents occurred while workers were being transported, with mobile phone use, driver fatigue and speeding among the main risks.

He urged employers to view occupational safety as an investment rather than an expense, noting that accidents could halt projects, damage reputations and increase costs.

“A worker in a safe and healthy environment is more productive,” he said. “Workers must also remember that protective equipment and regulations exist to ensure they return safely to their families every day.”