UAE's Midday Break Achieves Near-Perfect Compliance, Enhancing Worker Safety

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the end of the Midday Break, which prohibited working under direct sunlight from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. This ban, effective from 15th June to 15th September 2024, aimed to protect workers from high temperatures during summer.

MoHRE reported a 99.9 percent compliance rate among companies during the Midday Break period. The initiative also included setting up 6,000 rest stations nationwide for delivery service workers to use during these hours.

Mohsin Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs at MoHRE, praised the private sector's adherence to regulations. He stated, "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."

During this period, MoHRE conducted around 134,000 inspection visits. These inspections revealed only 51 violations, showcasing companies' awareness and commitment to worker safety. Al Nassi highlighted that the Midday Break has become a cornerstone of UAE labour legislation over its 20-year implementation.

The Ministry’s partners played a significant role in raising awareness about the ban and improving worker wellbeing. Government entities and private sector partners launched various initiatives to inform workers of their rights and ensure their safety.

Community Involvement

Community members also supported the initiative by engaging with MoHRE through online platforms and reporting violations. This collaborative effort helped reinforce the importance of adhering to safety regulations.

Al Nassi noted that private companies went beyond merely following regulations by launching their own initiatives to reduce heat stress risks for workers. He added that these efforts have positively impacted employee productivity and overall competitiveness in the UAE labour market.

The initiative required employers to provide shaded areas for workers during Midday Break hours or when performing authorised tasks. Companies were also mandated to supply adequate cooling equipment, sufficient water, hydration supplements approved by local authorities, and first aid equipment at work sites.

The Ministry acknowledged its partners' contributions, including community initiatives distributing food and cold drinks during Midday Break hours. These efforts have strengthened the partnership between MoHRE and private companies in ensuring a safe working environment.

The conclusion of this year's Midday Break marks another successful chapter in protecting workers from extreme heat conditions while fostering a safer work environment across the UAE.

With inputs from WAM