Labour Ministry intensifies summer worksite safety measures

MUSCAT, JUNE 29
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding workers' health during the summer months, the Ministry of Labour continues to strictly enforce the annual midday work ban at open worksites and locations exposed to direct sunlight throughout June, July and August.
The measure forms part of the ministry's comprehensive occupational safety and health strategy aimed at preventing heat stress, heatstroke and other heat-related workplace injuries while promoting safer and healthier working environments across Oman.
Amer bin Hassan al Balushi, Industrial Safety Inspector at the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Directorate-General of Labour Welfare, said the ministry adopts an integrated approach that combines inspections, monitoring and awareness programmes to protect workers and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
'The midday work ban is not intended merely to detect violations or impose penalties, but to strengthen a preventive safety culture by encouraging employers and workers to comply with occupational safety requirements during periods of extreme heat,' he said.
Al Balushi noted that the ministry conducts intensive inspection campaigns throughout the enforcement period, complemented by continuous awareness and guidance programmes covering construction sites and other sectors where work is carried out in open environments or under harsh climatic conditions.
He added that the regulation helps reduce occupational illnesses and accidents caused by heat stress and fatigue, while improving productivity through safer and healthier workplaces. It also reflects Oman's commitment to international standards on workers' health, safety and welfare.
As part of its annual awareness efforts, the ministry continues to implement the 'Safe Summer' initiative in cooperation with private sector establishments, social partners and relevant stakeholders. The campaign includes seminars, workshops, field visits and awareness programmes across traditional and digital media platforms to educate employers and workers on heat-related risks and preventive measures.
To maximise outreach, awareness materials are produced in several languages, including Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi and Bengali, with additional languages provided where necessary in coordination with the relevant authorities and foreign embassies.
Al Balushi said specialised inspection teams conduct unannounced field visits during the enforcement period to ensure work ceases during the prohibited hours and that employers provide air-conditioned rest areas, adequate supplies of cold drinking water, first-aid equipment and appropriate heat-risk assessment measures. Inspectors also verify that workers receive the necessary occupational safety training.
He stressed that violations are identified through routine inspections as well as reports submitted by workers and members of the public.
Establishments found violating the regulation face legal action, including fines and other penalties stipulated under the Labour Law, with stricter measures applied for repeat offences or cases that jeopardise workers' health and safety.
The ministry affirmed that the continued enforcement of the midday work ban reflects its commitment to protecting human capital, enhancing labour market efficiency and supporting Oman's sustainable economic and social development through safe and healthy workplaces.