Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Labour has issued a list of the types of work which are now exempt from the government's compulsory midday break.
The ministry on Wednesday specified which types of work would not have to comply with the law this summer.
The ministerial resolution number 443 for 2010 extended the midday break for labourers from 12.30pm to 3pm, but reserved the possibility of some works being exempted.
The ministry's Acting Director-General Humaid Bin Deemas said under the law, some time-dependent works must continue for technical reasons.
Some of these works included asphalt-mixing, pouring concrete, and others needed for risk management and damage control.
Also exempted from the compulsory midday break were works to fix any traffic disruption; damaged water pipes; sewage, gas or petrol lines; and electrical power outages.
The resolution also excluded works requiring a permit from a government authority because they needed to halt services such as traffic, electricity, or telecommunications.
The ministry's acting director-general also had the power to exempt works from the midday break that must be completed without a break due to their urgent nature.
"We are ensuring that the maximum amount of flexibility exist in our policies and decisions, while taking into consideration the rights of all concerned parties which includes the interests of the society and country," Bin Deemas said.
"In cases of continuous work, the employer must supply cold water to their labourers," Bin Deemas said.
"Lemons and salts approved for use by the health authorities must also be supplied.
"The employer should also ensure that the workers abide to work safety and health regulations and also imposes the availability of first aid treatment in the working site. The employer must also supply umbrellas that will shield the labourers from the summer heat.
"The Ministry is very committed to following up on our rules and regulations.
"Inspections will be carried out to ensure that the employers are adhering to the rules issued by the ministry, in addition to carrying out field visits to raise awareness and inform the employers and employees of their rights."
Under the law, companies found violating the compulsory midday break will be fined Dh10,000.
Repeated violations could incur the denial of work permits, and further fines of up to Dh30,000.
