UAE mid-day break: Dh5,000 fine per worker for violations

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has registered 99.8 per cent level of compliance for the midday break by 29,185 firms since the implementation date till mid-July, while 47 firms violated the laws.

Maher Al-Obed, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspectional Affairs, said the records were gathered across the UAE by 18 teams of well-trained inspectors, pointing out that 29,232 inspectional visits were carried out during the past month, and 16,651 informative visits took place during the same period.

He praised those who adhered to implementing the rule which cuts off three working hours on daily basis during the midday break period, to ensure the safety and health of the workers.

Violators will be fined Dh5,000 per worker found working during the announced break hours, to a maximum Dh50,000 if the case involved a huge number of workers.

The erring company will be degraded with consideration of suspension.

 "We carried out 5,124 inspectional visits in the capital,  3538 visits in Al Ain, Dubai saw 3, 672 visits, 4202 visits in Sharjah, 4236 visits in Ajman, 4268 visits in Ras Al Khaimah, 2642 visits in Umm Al Qaiwain and 1, 550 inspectional visits in Fujairah," Al-Obed said.

He described the level of commitment carried out by the inspectors (18 teams) as excellent, noting that the decent job they have done included recording and photographing violations (for evidence).

The ministry stated that daily working hours must not exceed eight hours in the morning or night shift, and overtime should be paid to those working additional hours as stated by the Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 on labour Affairs.

It added that employers should put a daily work schedule in Arabic on notice-board to ease inspectional observations and other languages for workers to understand.

According to the ministry’s resolution, labourers must not work during the ban hours if they work in open places. But companies working on urgent projects can resume work after ban timings.

"Workers must be supplied water at all times, as well as minerals which are approved for use by health authorities in the country. They must be provided access to first aid kits on site in addition to protective umbrellas," the ministry said.

Humaid bin Deemas, Labour Affairs Assistant Under-Secretary, said for exceptional cases, which require work continuation during those periods for technical reasons, the employers must supply workers with salt and lemon, which is approved for use by health authorities in the country.

He added that employers must provide all facilities that cater to the health of workers, including first aid, air-conditioners, sunshades and cold water.

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