UAE specifies non-stop works at three month mid-day break

The Ministry of Labour defined today types of out-door works that should continue during the nation-wide mid-day break (12:30 to 3:00 pm) from 15 June to 15 September. An administrative resolution issued by Mubarak Saeed Al Dhaheri, Ministry Undersecretary, specified technical activities which require non-stop work and how to give the workers times for rest and food. These works include : laying of asphalt and pouring concrete, and works necessary to avert danger and damage or to repair casual emergency faults like disconnection of water, oil and gas pipes, sewerage, electricity current, and disruption of vehicular traffic. The exemption also covers around-the-clock works that need a special government permit to do so as to avoid disruption of traffic flow and basic services, disconnection of power and communication services and other approved works. Al Dhaheri said employers involved in these activities are demanded to provide workers with cold water, safety and health systems, and salt and lemon drinks and other materials approved by health authorities. The resolutions obliges employers to provide first aid at work sites, adequate cooling systems and sunshades. Mohsin Al Nasi, Director of Work Inspection at the Ministry, said inspectors will be deployed to follow up compliance of employers with these measures. He urged employers to satisfy these conditions to protect workers from heat exhaustion and sunstroke.