Starting From today June 15 to September 15, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) will begin enforcing the "Midday Break," which forbids employment in open areas or in the sun from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Work Environment and Occupational Health and Safety
The Ministry emphasised the importance of the midday break in embodying the UAE's commitment to fostering a humane and positive work environment while implementing the highest standards for occupational health and safety. The welfare of the workforce and the establishment of a safe, flexible, and attractive work environment, supported by an effective governance system, are among the ministry's primary strategic objectives.
Compliance and confidence in establishments
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) expressed confidence in the compliance of establishments throughout the country with the ban provisions, ensuring the safety of their employees and the provision of a secure work environment.
Employers are required to adhere to specific regulations to safeguard workers' well-being during the midday break. This includes providing parasols to protect workers from direct sunlight, shaded areas for rest during breaks, and adequate cooling devices such as fans. Employers must also ensure the availability of sufficient drinking water and other amenities to guarantee comfort in the workplace.
Rules for Ensuring Worker Comfort and Safety
To promote fair working conditions, the decision restricts daily working hours to eight. If an employee is required to work more than eight hours within a 24-hour period, the additional hours are considered overtime, entitling the employee to additional pay in accordance with the Regulation of Employment Relationship Law.
Exemptions for Continuous and Essential Work
The Midday Break policy acknowledges the necessity to maintain uninterrupted operations in certain jobs that have a significant impact on the community. As a result, some tasks are exempt from implementing the midday break for technical reasons. These include activities like laying asphalt or pouring concrete, which cannot be postponed until after the break. Jobs related to containing hazards or repairing damages, such as water supply interruptions or electrical repairs, are also exempt.
Furthermore, works requiring permits from relevant government authorities, as they affect traffic flow and services, are exempt. These tasks involve continuous work, such as cutting or diverting main traffic routes, power lines, and communications.
Requirements for Exempted Jobs
In cases where jobs are exempt from the midday break, employers must ensure the provision of sufficient cold drinking water for workers. They are also obliged to maintain public health and safety requirements by providing hydrating items like salt and other substances approved by local authorities in the UAE. Adequate industrial cooling, parasols for protection from direct sunlight, and first aid facilities at the worksite are additional requirements for exempted jobs.
By implementing these measures, the UAE aims to safeguard workers' well-being and create a conducive working environment that prioritises occupational health and safety. The midday break not only enhances the leadership and competitiveness of the UAE labour market but also demonstrates the country's commitment to prioritising the welfare of its workforce.
