Oman orders companies to suspend mid-day work during summer

Muscat: Oman has strictly banned any outdoor work for workers between 12.30 and 3.30pm during June, July and August, according to Salim Bin Saeed Al Badi, Director-General of Labour Welfare at the Ministry of Manpower.

"Work at all outdoor work sites, including construction, must stop between the given time otherwise the ministry will take legal action against the violators of this regulation," he added.

"Such a care will not only benefit the workers but also the employers and could boost productivity," he reckons.

"It would also help cut down on-site accidents attributed to heat related stress," he pointed out.

"We are committed to protecting and respecting rights of the workers," he stressed.

He also said that due to awareness created by the Manpower Ministry last year the regulation on working hours during peak summer received an overwhelming response.