The Ministry of Labour announced on Monday that it has started its inspection campaign to monitor the mandatory midday break for labourers.
With about 18 inspection teams, the ministry has planned 60,000 field visits to check on compliance and 20,000 educational visits across the country. Labourers must be given time off between 12.30pm and 3pm until September 15.
The teams will document breaches by filming workers on duty during the banned hours and report them to the committee for appropriate action to be taken against the employers.
The ministry has asked residents to immediately report any offences by calling the toll-free 800 665 number, or through its smartphone application.
Earlier this month, the ministry started the campaign to raise awareness among employers and workers, informing them that a break was necessary to reduce health risks of being exposed to extreme heat.
The ministry will also provide water and cold juice to workers during the rest period.
For the past 11 years, the ministry has instituted the midday-break rule for three months during summer. It is considered one of the most important initiatives to be launched under the directive of Saqr Ghobash, the Minister of Labour, and UAE leadership.
The rule protects labourers from working under direct sun during the hottest part of the day, and under extreme temperatures.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
