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Starting today, Thursday, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will implement the ban on performing work under the sun and in open places, starting from 12:30 noon until 3:00 pm, until September 15.
The Ministry affirmed that the noon work ban stems from the UAE’s firm commitment to humanitarian standards in the work environment, and the application of the best international standards in occupational health and safety, especially since enhancing the well-being of the workforce through a safe, flexible and attractive work environment within an effective governance system for the labor market. It falls within the strategic objectives of the ministry.
She added, “We trust the establishments’ commitment to implementing the ban and their keenness to protect their workers and employ them within a safe work environment, because they realize the importance of the ban and its positive repercussions on the work environment and achievement, especially as it is applied for the 19th year in a row, as it is one of the most important labor gains that enhance the leadership and competitiveness of the UAE labor market.” . Employers must provide umbrellas for workers from the sun during the noon work stoppage, and provide appropriate cooling tools, in addition to providing quantities of water and amenities.
It is prohibited for workers to work overtime for more than 8 hours a day, and in case of necessity, the extra hours of work are considered overtime work for which the worker receives an additional wage, in accordance with the provisions of the law regulating labor relations.
The provisions of the noon work ban take into account ensuring the continuity of work in a way that serves the objectives of the public interest, as it provides for the exception of some works in which it is necessary to work non-stop for technical reasons, such as the work of laying the asphalt mixture and pouring concrete if it is not possible to implement it or complete it after the ban period, and other works Necessary to prevent the danger or repair of faults that affect society in general, such as cutting off water supply lines, cutting off electricity, cutting off traffic, and other major faults. The exception also includes works whose implementation requires a permit from a competent government agency, due to their impact on the flow of traffic, and services whose completion requires non-stop work, including cutting or diverting main traffic roads, and cutting electrical and communication lines.
In the event of executing the exempted works, the employer must provide cold drinking water, irrigation methods and materials such as salts, etc., in addition to providing first aid at the work site, appropriate industrial refrigeration means, and umbrellas that protect from direct sunlight.
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