Midday work ban in UAE: AED5,000 fine per worker, rules and exemptions explained – News

This will be the 19th year that the campaign has become an important feature to keep workers safe during the hot summer months

With the lunch break announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), workers will get a respite from the scorching summer heat as temperatures hit 50°C.

Scheduled to begin on June 15, the campaign, which will be in its 19th year, has become an important feature to keep workers safe during the hot summer months.

According to the authorities, the lunch break rule has led to a significant reduction in heat stroke and heat stroke among workers over the past few years. Since its inception, MOHRE has carried out various awareness and guidance campaigns and initiatives focused on educating workers and employers on the importance of adhering to work bans at specific times.

From what it is to how much the fine is, here’s everything you need to know about lunch breaks:

The lunch break is an annual MOHRE initiative that prohibits workers from working in the open air and in direct sunlight between 12.30pm and 3pm each day during the summer. This year, it will run from June 15 to September 15, 2023.

It was formulated pursuant to Ministerial Resolution No. (44) of 2022 on Occupational Health and Safety and Labor Accommodation to provide an appropriate working environment, protect workers from occupational hazards and prevent work-related injury or illness.

Some occupations and jobs are exempt from lunch breaks for technical reasons, which require work to continue without interruption. These include laying asphalt or pouring concrete, as well as work that requires containment of hazards or repair of damage affecting communities, such as water or power outages, traffic disruptions and other major issues.

The exemption also includes works that require permission from relevant government agencies to carry out, taking into account the impact on traffic and service flows. These missions require non-stop work, including cutting or diverting major transportation routes, power lines and communications.

This is the 19th consecutive year that lunch breaks have been implemented. Last year, after more than 55,000 inspection visits, the compliance rate was 99%.

Lunch breaks meet professional and humane standards and are designed to protect workers from the potential risk of injury from the summer heat, especially in the middle of the day.

MOHRE has also launched a series of initiatives over the summer to provide supplies to protect workers from exposure, heat stroke and heat stroke.

Employers must provide a shaded area where workers can rest during their midday break. They must also prominently post the daily schedule of work, in accordance with the midday break, provided that it is in a language that workers understand, in addition to Arabic.

In the case of exempt work, employers must provide workers with sufficient cold drinking water. Public health and safety requirements should be met by providing moisturizing foods such as salt and/or other foods approved for use by UAE local authorities.They must also provide first aid, adequate industrial cooling and umbrellas to protect from direct sunlight on the job site

Employers found to be violating the rules and regulations of the ban will be fined Dh5,000 per worker, up to Dh50,000 if multiple workers work in violation of the ban.

Yes. They can complain about breaches of the midday work ban through the ministry’s call center 600590000, which takes calls 24/7 and in 20 languages, including the three main ones, through an automated call system. The ministry can also be reached through its smart app.