Midday break for workers to begin on June 15
The annual mandatory midday break for outdoor workers will begin on June 15 and run until September 15, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced yesterday.
Now in its 14th year, the break offers relief during the hottest part of the summer working day.
During this time, employers are required to provide a clear schedule for workers and are forbidden from making them do any outdoor work. They are also required to provide workers with shelter.
The rule has been in operation since 2004. It prevents any work in direct sunlight between 12.30pm and 3pm to ensure the well-being of outdoor labourers.
Businesses are responsible for distributing information to their employees telling them how to stay safe at work.
In exceptional cases, when continuous work is required, employers must provide workers with cold water and other items including salt, lemon, first-aid kits, air-conditioned areas and sunshades. Emergency work includes any maintenance on water supplies, sewerage, electricity, cutting off traffic or blocking roads, and cutting gas pipelines or petroleum flow.
Those found breaking the midday rule will be fined Dh5,000 for each worker. Businesses will be fined a maximum of Dh50,000 if a group is found working during designated hours.