Compliance for midday work ban in the UAE hits 99.7%

Compliance towards the midday work ban in the UAE stands at 99.73 per cent, shown by 53,569 companies from June 15th to date, the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced on Tuesday.

The ban prohibits construction workers and other staff to work outdoors between 12.30pm to 3pm, to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the summer months.

The midday break, which began on June 15, ends on September 15.

Maher Al-Obed, assistant under-secretary for Inspections, said that records were gathered by inspectors in 18 teams during company visits across the UAE.

“We carried out 53,712 inspection visits during the past two months across the UAE, and 9,324 advisory visits during the same period,” he said.

“There were 13,375 inspection visits in Abu Dhabi, 11,022 in Dubai, 5,073 visits in Sharjah, 8,047 visits in Ajman, 5,687 visits in Ras al-Khaimah, 2,728 visits in Umm Al Qaiwain and 7,780 visits in Fujairah.”

As per the ruling, companies found violating the rule will be fined Dhs5,000 ($1,361) per worker to a maximum of Dhs50,000 ($13,613) in the case of multiple workers.

“The midday break, which enters its 13th successive year, is aimed at pushing health and safety precautions to the highest limits,” said Al-Obed.

“Temperatures are unbearable during summer times in the UAE, and workers need the break.”

The UAE has seen extremely hot weather this summer, with temperatures crossing the 50-degree celsius mark more than once.

Also read: Car bursts into flames in the UAE due to heat

Revealed: The highest temperatures ever witnessed in the GCC

In its statement, the ministry also warned that daily working hours must also not exceed eight hours for the morning or night shift, and that overtime compensation must be paid to those working additional hours.