Muscat: To protect workers from the sweltering summer heat, especially during the months of June, July, and August, the Ministry of Labour has issued a stern warning to all establishments and cautioned them against employing the workforce during midday hours.
In accordance with Ministerial Decree 286, the Ministry underscored the vital importance of suspending operations between 12:30 and 3:30 PM.
Zakaria Khamees al Saadi, Head of the Occupational Safety and Health Department at the Ministry of Labour, said that the ministry mandates all construction sites and open areas to suspend work during midday hours to ensure the protection of workers.
Al Saadi highlighted a range of alternatives, including the provision of air-conditioned rest areas, rescheduling of physically demanding tasks to cooler hours, and implementing a rotational system where employees work for 45 minutes followed by a 15-minute break.
In relation to fuel stations, the Ministry is actively engaged in community awareness campaigns to discourage refueling during the midday period unless absolutely necessary.
“In the event of any infractions identified by establishments operating during midday hours, the Ministry will take legal measures in
accordance with stipulations of Article 118 bis of the Labour Law. A dedicated task force will be monitoring the establishment following the
violation, verifying its adherence, or referring the case to judicial authorities in the event of recurrence."
Violations may incur fines of up to RO500 and a maximum imprisonment period of one month, or a combination of both penalties. Reports on non-compliant establishments can be submitted via phone or through the Ministry’s websites, and the specialized team properly verifies the claims and undertake the requisite actions.
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