Mid-day break rule: Up to Dh50,000 fine

The mid-day break rule commences in the UAE tomorrow [Wednesday, June 15, 2016]. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has banned any sort of work under direct sunlight between 12.30pm until 3pm. The mid-day break will continue until September 15.

Maher Al Obed, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspectional Affairs, said, "Eighteen teams from the ministry will monitor to ensure the rule is followed through the period. Three teams have been formed in Abu Dhabi, two in Al Ain, four in Dubai, two in Sharjah, two in Ajman, two in Ras Al Khaimah, two in Fujairah and one team in Umm Al Quwain."

He said that 20,000 awareness field visits are planned, which has already begun from May 26. "The teams are ready to hit 60,000 inspectional visits across the nation to make sure all facilities follow the law," he said.

Also, an internal committee shall be ready to receive any grievance requests and handle it transparently and objectively.

"Ministry inspectors will, for the first time, deal with smart inspections system, a new mechanism that will make it easier to monitor and document any violations," said Al Obed.

Overtime compensation

Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, declared the decree, which enters its 12th consecutive year. It is based on general safety and health procedures which the UAE adapts to, to prevent any sort of work related injuries, in accordance with international standards.

Ghobash pointed out that working hours shall be divided into two shufts - morning and evening - for eight hours daily. If employees work overtime, then they must be compensated according to the laws.

The ruling also requires employers to post a clear schedule informing workers of the daily working hours during the mid-day break period, plus providing shelter to them during the resting periods.

Employers are urged to provide all necessary health kits to cater to workers exposed to hazards and dangerous tools.

Violators fined

Violators will be fined Dh5,000 per worker found working during the announced break hours, to a maximum of Dh50,000 if the case involves a huge number of workers. The company will be degraded and possibly stopped from operating temporarily.

Exceptional cases

For exceptional cases, where continuous work is required, Humaid bin Deemas, Labour Affairs Assistant Undersecretary, launched a decree stating that employers must provide workers with salt and lemon, which is approved for use by health authorities in the country. Employers must provide all facilities that cater to the health of workers, including first aid, air-conditioners, sunshades and cold water.

Works excluded from working hours ban include work on mix asphalt poured concretes if it is impossible to implement or supplement the necessary work in one day or doing work to prevent expected danger or reparation or damage or malfunction or loss and also emergency work, including cutting lines, water supply, sewerage, electricity and cutting off traffic or blocking public roads, in addition to cut gas pipelines or petroleum flow.

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