The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the conclusion of the Midday Break initiative, effective September 15, 2024.
The programme, which began on June 15, prohibited work under direct sunlight and in open spaces from 12:30PM to 3:00PM.
The initiative forms part of an integrated system implemented by the Ministry to establish a safe working environment that adheres to best practices and occupational health and safety standards, WAM said in a statement.
MoHRE reports success as summer work ban concludes in UAE
Its primary aim is to protect workers from injuries and harm caused by working in high temperatures during the summer months.
MoHRE reported a 99.9 percent compliance rate among companies throughout the entire ban period.
The initiative included the provision of 6,000 rest stations across the country for delivery service workers to use during the Midday Break hours, the statement added.
“Companies across the UAE labour market have demonstrated remarkable compliance with government regulations, reflecting the success of the Ministry’s partnership-driven approach with the private sector. This strategy has reinforced the private sector’s role as a key partner in the nation’s development, raising awareness among companies and employers about the importance of adhering to these regulations and their positive impact on the work environment, employee productivity, and the overall competitiveness of the UAE labour market,” Mohsin Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs at MoHRE said.
“Commitment from private companies in the UAE has gone beyond merely implementing regulations, with establishments launching their own initiatives to mitigate the risk of heat stress for their workers,” he added.
UAE Ministry conducts 134,000 inspections during summer work ban
The Ministry conducted approximately 134,000 inspection visits during the Midday Break period, identifying only 51 violations.
This low number of violations highlights the level of awareness among companies and their commitment to their responsibilities towards their workers.
“The Midday Break has firmly established itself as one of the main pillars of UAE labour market legislation in the 20 years it has been implemented,” Al Nassi said, and praised the Ministry’s partners for their contributions, which included community initiatives to distribute food and cold drinks to workers during Midday Break hours.
The initiative required companies and employers to offer shaded areas for workers during the Midday Break hours or when performing authorised jobs.
They were also mandated to provide adequate cooling equipment, sufficient amounts of water, and hydration supplements (such as electrolytes or their equivalents, as approved for use by local authorities in the UAE). Additionally, first aid equipment was required to be available at work sites.
