Abu Dhabi: The mandatory midday break for outdoor workers which began on June 15, ends on Monday, according to a resolution issued by Saqr Gobash, Minister of Labour.
The three-month midday break rule states that companies have to give a two-and –a-half hour break from 12.30pm to 3pm for labourers who work in open areas such as construction sites.
Employers should provide a shaded area as well as adequate preventive methods to protect workers from work-related injuries.
The ministry has launched inspection campaigns to ensure that companies adhere to the midday break rule.
For companies that flout the midday break rule, the Ministry of Labour will impose stiff penalties, including a Dh15,000 fine for the first offence.
Additionally, the employer should pay Dh1,500 to employees who are forced to work during the midday break, and they will not be able to issue new labour cards or recruit new workers.
The resolution regarding the midday break and working hours, however, excludes urgent work which mush continue due to technical issues.
The ministry has conduced several awareness lectures earlier across the UAE to disseminate information on prevention and protection against heat stress and work-related injuries.
