15 companies fined for making labourers work in midday heat

Abu Dhabi: Ten companies have been fined in Abu Dhabi city and five in Al Ain for violating the midday break law.

"Inspectors ... visited 61 establishments in the city of Abu Dhabi and its suburbs since the first day of the campaign until Wednesday," said Qasim Jameel, head of the inspection department at the Labour Ministry. "Inspectors took photos and fined each violating company. A report will be filed with the ministry to give exact details and names of the violators and it will come out on Sunday."

Jameel said that inspectors also went on guidance tours to establishments and distributed T-shirts, caps and water to workers. They also advised them of the importance of the break for their own benefit.

He said though some companies gave their workers a break, the workers were resting in the sun. "Companies are obliged by the ministerial decision to either provide a comfortable place for workers for rest in on site or take them to their accommodations to rest. Some companies did not follow this and they were warned," he said.

The inspection team has suspended 59 companies in weekly checks.

Of those, 31 were suspended for lack of health and safety conditions.