Starting June 15, there will be a mandatory midday break for establishments whose employees work under direct sunlight. The midday break will be from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, which will be enforced until September 15, 2017.
The announcement was made by Dubai’s Standing Committee for Labor Affairs. The midday break is in accordance with Resolution No. 421 of 2017, which prohibits work during summer afternoons in places where employees are exposed under direct sunlight.
Image Credit: WAM News Agency
Midday Breaks from June 15 to September 15
“The committee will conduct seven patrols,” according to Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Suroor, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Labor Affairs and Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.
“There will be three inspectors in each patrol, representing the labor committee, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, and Dubai Municipality to ensure full enforcement of the midday ban as per regulations in this respect,” he explained.
Providing a Safe Working Environment
Bin Suroor stated that the policy helps to provide a safe working environment for employees. It also ensures their safety and protection while working under the sun.
The Major General also stressed that necessary measures will be taken on those who violate the midday break policy. Those who do not comply will be fined AED 5,000 per worker up to AED 50,000 in cases of multiple workers found to be working during the said period.
With temperatures soaring high during summer, a midday break is truly needed by people who work under direct sunlight. Because of this policy, companies are able to protect their workers. In turn, workers will be safer and more effective in carrying out their daily tasks.