Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has mandated that all construction sites and open spaces cease operations during the noon hours throughout the summer months of June, July, and August. This directive aims to protect workers from extreme heat and potential sunstroke, aligning with humanitarian organization recommendations.
Effective immediately, work must stop between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm as per Ministerial Resolution No. 286. The Ministry advises transferring heavy labor to cooler times of the day. Alternatives include providing air-conditioned rest areas and implementing a rotation system where workers operate for 45 minutes followed by a 15-minute break.
The Ministry also emphasizes community awareness, particularly advising against refueling vehicles during the afternoon unless absolutely necessary.
Violations of this regulation will result in stringent legal action under Article 118 bis of the Labor Law. A dedicated team will monitor compliance, and establishments found in violation will face fines starting from RO500.
Repeated offenses will result in further scrutiny and potentially more severe penalties.
To report violations, the public can contact the Ministry via phone or through their official website. The Ministry's enforcement team will verify reports and take appropriate measures to ensure compliance.
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