Abu Dhabi City Municipality exhorts businesses in the building and construction industry to adhere strictly to the prescribed working hours on sun-exposed sites during the summer, with the aim to safeguard the health and well-being of construction workers from intense sunlight.
This advice was imparted during a workshop hosted by the Municipality, represented by the City Planning Sector - Environment, Health and Safety Department. Titled "Safety in the Heat," this workshop is part of the "No Heat Stress" campaign and saw the participation of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Abu Dhabi Ports, the National Corporation for Trade and Development (NTPE), in addition to several private sector firms.
The workshop was designed to enlighten construction workers on the potential hazards of afternoon work, and to encourage adherence to Resolution No. (401 of 2015) regarding the stipulation of midday work hours as issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation of the UAE. The resolution mandates a halt in work during the afternoon for sun-exposed and open-space tasks, from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. This regulation is in effect for three months, from June 15 to September 15 annually.
The workshop concentrated on enhancing awareness of the risks associated with afternoon work during the summer, prevention measures, and strategies to handle emergency situations. It also stressed safe work practices and the necessity of providing workers with rehydration solutions on-site to combat heat stress symptoms.
The law mandating a work stoppage during midday hours in the summer is a unique preventive measure distinguishing the UAE among countries worldwide. All businesses, especially construction firms, are required to completely cease work during afternoon hours for a span of three months. Hefty fines are levied on companies violating these regulations and guidelines, aimed at ensuring the safety and health of construction site workers.