The UAE issues a decision regarding new working hours
In order to provide a safe working environment that complies with occupational health and safety best practices and requirements and to prevent worker injuries and damage from working in high temperatures during the summer, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization announced today that the ban on performing work in the sun and in open places has been lifted. The ban had been in effect since June 15 from 12:30 PM to 3 PM.
In light of the companies' adherence to 99.9% of the Prohibition conditions throughout its application, which saw the provision of 6,000 breaks for delivery service workers across the country, the ministry verified the success of the "midday work ban" implementation.
Implementing government decisions
The labor market in the United Arab Emirates is observing a noteworthy level of dedication to the implementation of government decisions by companies, according to Mohsen al-nasi, assistant undersecretary of the ministry for inspection affairs. This is due to the partnership strategy that the ministry has adopted in its relationship with the private sector and enhancing its responsibility as a major partner in the development process. This has increased companies' and employers' awareness of the importance of implementing decisions and their positive impact on worker productivity, the work environment, and the country's labor market competitiveness. The companies have gone above and beyond the stage of commitment to the implementation of decisions to launch initiatives aimed at lowering the risks of heat stress on workers at work sites.
He emphasized that, in the 20 years since it was implemented, the ban on working at noon has become one of the key pillars firmly established in the nation's labor market. The ministry conducted approximately 134 thousand inspection visits during the ban period, with only 51 violations recorded. This confirms companies' awareness of and commitment to their responsibility towards their workers.
He commended the ministry's associates who supported neighborhood projects by providing workers with lunch and cool beverages when work was suspended at midday.
During the ban period, the ministry's partners in the public and private sectors implemented a number of initiatives to educate workers about their rights, increase public awareness of the ban's significance, and make workers happy. Community members also demonstrated their solidarity and support for the ban on working at noon by responding to the ministry and interacting with it via its call center, smart application, and electronic platforms to provide suggestions and report malpractices.
Blocking requirements
In addition to providing first aid supplies at workplaces, the ban's requirements placed obligations on businesses and employers to furnish shaded areas for employees to work in during downtime or while operating under a license, as well as suitable cooling tools, ample water supplies, and humidifiers (like salts) that have been approved for use by national authorities.