Over 99% compliance: UAE midday work ban ends Tuesday

The annual midday work ban in the UAE will conclude on Tuesday, September 15, following three months of restrictions aimed at shielding outdoor laborers from heat-related hazards during peak daylight hours. Instituted for the 22nd time in a row by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the regulation suspended work in direct sunlight and open spaces between 12:30 pm and 3 pm from June 15 to September 15.

The measure is a cornerstone of the UAE's occupational health and safety regime, designed to curb the dangers posed by extreme temperatures during the summer season. Companies have achieved compliance rates surpassing 99 percent in prior years, with employers adhering to regulations and implementing supplementary measures to safeguard workers.

The ministry also acknowledged the vital roles of government and private-sector collaborators, as well as community members, in sustaining the policy's effectiveness. Recognized as an integral component of the UAE labor landscape and a fundamental aspect of occupational health practices, the heat-stress protection policy aims to prevent injuries and health risks associated with exposure to scorching temperatures while permitting crucial work to continue, provided technical constraints do not impede completion outside the restricted window.

Certain professions, such as asphalt laying and concrete pouring, are exempt from the midday restrictions when work cannot logically be postponed or concluded outside the prohibited hours. Moreover, urgent interventions to avert danger or repair infrastructure critical to the public, such as water supply disruptions, electricity network failures, and traffic disruptions, are also exempt from the restrictions.

The ministry emphasized that the policy endeavors to strike a balance between worker protection and the ongoing provision of essential services, reinforcing workplace safety standards throughout the nation.