The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called for a ban on working under the sun and in open places during the summer months, where the heat is at its peak.
The ban will be in effect daily from 12:30 PM until 3:00 PM, starting June 15 and ending on September 15, 2023.
The decision, in line with the ministerial decision No. (44) of 2022, aims to prioritise the occupational health and safety of workers, safeguarding them from potential hazards and occupational diseases, a statement by Emirates News Agency (WAM) said.
Under the ban, daily working hours, both in the morning and evening, must not exceed eight hours. Employers are also required to provide shaded areas to ensure the comfort of workers during their downtime.
Mohsen Al-Nasi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs, emphasised the importance of the decision, stating that “the health and safety of workers is a major pillar of labour market legislation.”
Al-Nasi also praised the high compliance rates witnessed in previous years, highlighting the significance of protecting workers from direct exposure to sunlight and working in open areas during noon hours.
While the ban is comprehensive, there are exceptions for certain essential works that require continuous operations.
Examples include laying asphalt and pouring concrete when delay would be impractical, as well as emergency repairs affecting public safety such as cutting off water and electricity supplies.
Works that impact traffic flow and services also fall under the exceptions, provided they have the necessary permits from the relevant government agencies.
To ensure the well-being of workers engaged in exempted works, employers must provide cold drinking water, irrigation materials, first aid kits, industrial refrigeration, suitable umbrellas for sun protection, and shaded resting areas during downtime.
UAE fines for midday work ban violations
The ministry has set fines for violating the provisions and controls of the ban, amounting to AED5,000 per worker and up to a maximum of AED50,000 for multiple violations.
The ministry encourages community members to report any violations through the call centre, which operates round the clock and in 20 languages.
The implementation of the noon work ban demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its workers, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment, and promoting a culture of workplace safety.
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