Ministry to conduct 'heat stress' lecture for construction companies

Dubai: Major construction companies in Dubai will be invited to a lecture organised by the Ministry of Labour to inform them of the danger of working in the heat and the importance of adhering to the set midday break.

The Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with Mirdif Security and Safety Consultants, are planning to hold a lecture at the end of the month for about 250 construction companies called Heat Stress to emphasise the importance of the midday break.

"One of the main issues that will be highlighted through the lecture is the fines and penalties that companies violating the rule will face," said a ministry official.

Earlier this month the Ministry issued a circular setting the midday break from July 1 to August 30, from 12.30 to 3pm and firms not adhering to the rule will have to face a number of measures against them as well as fines that could go up to Dh30,000.

However, Abduallah Bin Seloum head of Dubai's Investigation Unit, said they would face problems in cracking down on all violators.

Fines could be as much as Dh30,000

Breaking the rule for the first time: a Dh10,000 fine and applications for new labour permits suspended for three months.

Breaking the rule for the second time: a Dh20,000 fine and new labour permits suspended for six months.

Breaking the rule for the third time: a Dh30,000 fine and new labour permits suspended for one year.

The classifications of companies will also be downgraded.