What scaffolding safety rules apply on UAE construction sites?
Administrative Decision No. 19 of 2023 requires scaffolds to be erected and dismantled by licensed, qualified people, inspected at least once a week by a specialist who writes a report, wide enough for safe footing, fitted with guardrails at eight metres above ground with workers wearing harnesses, and securely guarded or attached to the structure.
On this page
Edges and openings
Roofs that workers climb onto must be barricaded or fenced. Skylights and openings must be barricaded or covered with canopies or nets so people and materials cannot fall through, and areas below must be protected from falling materials.
Why the weekly report matters
The decision makes the weekly inspection report a record the employer keeps. After an incident, it is the evidence that the scaffold was inspected. Under Article 38 of the labour law, an employer can rely on a worker's deliberate breach of displayed safety instructions only if it trained and equipped the worker.
Where SupaJack Construct fits
SupaJack Construct does not include a safety or incident module. Inspection records with dates and attached documents sit with each project, and HR records hold each worker's documents, which a safety officer can use alongside a dedicated safety system.
Related tools and guides
See the answers on what counts as grave danger, the midday break, work injury compensation, who pays for injury treatment, leaving company accommodation and written work rules, plus the UAE labour law guide for contractors and quality and handover in SupaJack Construct.
Worked example
A contractor erects a 20-metre scaffold for façade works. A licensed team erects it, a specialist inspects it every Monday and files a report, guardrails run along every lift above eight metres, and workers on it wear harnesses.
Questions people ask
How often must scaffolds be inspected?
At least once a week, with a report.
At what height are guardrails required?
Eight metres above the ground.
Who may erect scaffolds?
Licensed and qualified people.