Work sites of 84 firms shut for flouting summer work-hour rule

WORK sites of 84 companies have been closed for three days for violating the provisions of Ministerial Resolution No 16 of 2007 regarding working hours in outdoor work sites that are under direct sunlight.

The violations were detected during the field visits conducted by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs (MADLSA).

The ministry, represented by the Labour Inspection Department, has intensified inspection campaigns to ensure compliance of companies with the provisions of ministerial decision that prohibits work between 11.30 am and 3 pm during June 15- August 31 period.

The decision obliges companies and institutions that have work sites under direct sunlight to work out a schedule in which it sets daily working hours in accordance with the provisions of the decision. The notice of schedule must be displayed in a place that is easy for all workers to see, and which inspectors can observe during their inspection visits to the workplace.

The companies are also required to provide air-conditioned spaces for the workers, cool water, light clothes, and allocate rest periods at different times to protect them from the risk of heat stress.

The ministry has urged all companies from different sectors to comply with the provisions of the ministerial resolution, and forbid working in exposed/outdoor workplaces under the direct sunlight during this period.