Midday break effective today

The Ministry of Labour has urged all employers to strictly adhere to the midday break, which is effective from today, June 1, in line with Article 16, Clause 2 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.

The Ministry has reiterated that it is prohibited to employ workers at construction sites or in areas exposed to high temperatures from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm during the months of June, July and August.

Earlier, the Ministry launched the 'Safe Summer' campaign to educate both employers and employees on the importance of taking a break from the summer heat for their health and safety through its Occupational Safety and Health Department.

"Every year, it is prohibited to employ workers outside shaded areas or in places directly exposed to the sun from June 1 to August 31 when temperatures rise to high levels. Stringent measures will be taken against violators of the midday break rule to ensure its implementation at all outdoor work premises", a Ministry spokesperson said.

According to Section 118 of the Labour Law, anyone who violates the midday break law shall be punished with a fine ranging from RO 100 to 500 or imprisonment of up to one month, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.

Last year, several companies were punished for Labour Law violations; and fines and legal proceedings were initiated against companies that did not fully adhere to the three-month noon break.

The Ministry has urged all construction, facilities management, maintenance and other sites where people work in open areas to allow labourers a break from work between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm during the three months as per ministerial orders. Heat stress is a common issue in Oman, especially during the summer months when temperatures rise significantly.

The Ministry further calls on all private sector establishments to cooperate and adhere to the regulation, emphasising that the campaign is part of its broader efforts to enhance a safe work environment and reduce heat-related injuries.