Not all will stop for UAE workers' midday break

A list of exceptions to the midday break for labourers has been announced by the Ministry of Labour.

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DUBAI // A list of exceptions to the midday break for labourers has been announced by the Ministry of Labour.

The break during the hottest hours of the day was created to prevent dehydration and other health risks associated with working in the summer sun, the state news agency Wam reported on Friday.

The rules come into force on June 15 and run until September 15. They require employers not to make staff work from 12.30pm to 3pm.

But there are exceptions to the ban. Mubarak Saeed Al Dhaheri, undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour, said workers could continue to work on outdoor projects if they could not be postponed for technical reasons, such as repairing damaged water, petrol and sewage pipes or disconnected electrical lines.

The order also exempts labourers working on licensed government department projects that could affect traffic if work was halted for a few hours, or could affect electrical and water supplies or telecommunications.

Laying asphalt and pouring concrete are classed as necessary on safety grounds.

Employers must still provide first aid, air-conditioners, sunshades and cold water for workers.

Mr Al Dhaheri said ministry inspectors would visit building sites to make sure the rules are observed. More than 50,000 worksite inspections last year uncovered 109 breaches of the rules.

newsdesk@thenational.ae