From the 15th of June to the 15th of September 2023, the UAE will provide a lunch break for workers who are outdoors.
From the 15th of June to the 15th of September in the year 2023, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will enforce a prohibition that prohibits working in open spaces and under direct sunlight from 12:30 to 3pm.
In accordance with Ministerial Resolution No. (44) of 2022 on Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Accommodation, which seeks to provide a working environment that protects workers from occupational dangers and prevents work-related injuries or illnesses, a midday break is taken by all employees each year. This is done in accordance with the resolution.
Penalties Employers who are discovered to be in breach of the laws and regulations of the prohibition will be subject to a punishment of Dh5,000 per worker, with the potential for the fine to reach a maximum of Dh50,000 in the event that numerous individuals are found to be working in violation of the ban.
During the months of the prohibition, the maximum number of hours worked each day, including both the morning and evening shifts, is limited to eight hours.
According to the Regulation of Employment Relationship Law, if an employer requires an employee to put in more than eight hours of labour in a period of twenty-four hours, those extra hours will be counted as overtime, and the employee will be entitled to additional compensation for their job. Workers are entitled to a noon rest period, during which their employers are obligated to offer a shady location in which they can relax.
"The health and safety of workers is the cornerstone of labour market legislation," said Mohsen Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs at MoHRE. "The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is committed to creating the necessary conditions to ensure a safe work environment for them," Al Nassi added.
Nineteenth year
The midday work break, which is being implemented for the nineteenth year in a row, is in keeping with the highest professional and humane standards aimed to protect workers from the potential danger of injury caused by high temperatures during the summer, especially around noon. This break is being implemented to protect workers from the potential risk of injury caused by high temperatures.
"The decision to ban work at midday is a notable milestone for the labour market and an integral part of work environment regulations in the UAE and of our community culture," he continued, "where the Ministry's partners and other individuals launch a range of initiatives during the summer months to provide supplies that protect workers from exposure, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke." [Citation needed] "The decision to ban work at midday is a notable milestone for the labour market and an integral part of work environment regulations in the UAE."
percentage of conformity
We have every confidence that employers all around the country will adhere to the conditions of the ban. We have witnessed outstanding compliance rates over the past few years, which confirms the degree of knowledge in the market about the significance of this decision and its successful role in protecting workers from the dangers of working in open settings around midday or direct exposure to sunlight.
Due to the fact that the decision to adopt the midday work break took into account the necessity of maintaining continuity in some activities that have an impact on the community, certain jobs that require work to continue uninterrupted are exempt from the implementation of the midday work ban for technical reasons. In the event that it is not possible to delay these duties until after the break, you will need to complete them now. This may include putting asphalt or pouring concrete.
The activities that need to be done to contain dangers or repair damages that impact the community are also included on the list. These include issues like disruptions to the water supply or the electrical supply, blocking off traffic, and other big problems. Due to the impact that the works will have on the flow of traffic and services, the exemption will also include those projects that will require a permit to be carried out, which can be obtained from the appropriate government authority. Work must be done non-stop to complete these duties, which may involve severing or rerouting major transportation routes, electricity lines, and communication lines.
When it comes to jobs that are exempt from this rule, the employer is not required to provide workers with sufficient amounts of cool drinking water. The provisions of hydrating food, such as salts and/or other food items that have been granted permission for use by the local authorities in the UAE, should be made in order to maintain the standards for public health and safety. They are also required to provide first aid at the work site, a suitable amount of industrial cooling, umbrellas that give protection from direct sunshine, and shaded locations for employees to rest in during their breaks.
Where to lodge your complaints
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation collects reports from members of the community concerning infractions of the noon work prohibition through its call centre, which can be reached at 600590000. The call centre takes calls around the clock and in twenty different languages, including the three primary languages of the country using an automated phone system. You can also communicate with the Ministry through its mobile application.
