The
Midday Break Decision, "UAE’s Umbrella" to protect workers from
deadly sun rays
The United
Arab Emirates takes a quantum leap forward in the region for announcing a
decree that drew a smile on labourers faces, starting back in 2005, workers are
urged to stop all work under direct sunlight between 12:30 until 15:00, naming
it a midday break.
Most
employers complied to the decree, as well as community members who supported
workers with water and juices on resting period, which promoted the values of
compassion between everyone in a great country.
H.E Saqr
Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation stated the decree, which
runs for 13 consecutive years, and aims to prevent any sort of work related
injuries, divided working hours between morning and evening shifts, eight hours
daily, overtime must be compensated as per the law.
The decree
also enquires employers to post a clear scheduling of the daily working hours
during the midday break period, further to that provide shelter to labourers
during resting hours.
Business
owners are required to provide preventive means, to protect workers from the
dangers of occupational injuries and illnesses that may occur during working
hours, as well as fire and other hazards that may result from the use of
machines and other tools, follow all other prevention methods prescribed in the
Labour Laws and ministerial decisions.
The Ministry
of Human Resources and Emiratisation has ordered 18 inspection teams to observe
compliance levels of midday break rule across the country utilizing the smart
inspection system. The system analyses data, following specific criteria, to
prioritises follow-ups accordingly, all to ensure speed and accuracy.
Moreover,
the Ministry carries out awareness campaigns in cooperation with strategic
partners in which they form different units to provide free medical check-ups,
distribute awareness brochures and handout gifts to the workers.
The ban
made for three months instead of two
Back in 2005
the midday break ran for two months, starting from July 1 till the end of
August, then in 2009, H.E Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and
Emiratisation, took on necessary measurement to extend the period, announcing a
ministerial decree in 2010, from June 15 until September 15.
Violating
companies will be fined Dh5000 per worker and a maximum of Dh50000 if the case
involves a large number of workers. The company can be degraded and possibly
even temporarily stopped from operating.
Works
excluded from the midday break
In
exceptional cases where continuous work is required, employers must provide
workers with cold water and other recommended items by the country’s health
authorities such as salt and lemon. They must also provide first aid,
air-conditioners, sunshades and cold water.
Work
excluded from the break include work on mix asphalt poured concrete if it is
impossible to implement or supplement the necessary work in one day or doing
work to prevent expected danger or reparation or damage or malfunction or loss.
Emergency work includes cutting lines, water supply, sewerage, electricity and
cutting off traffic or blocking public roads, in addition, to cutting gas
pipelines or petroleum flow.
Author
Ministry Of Human Resources and Emiratisation