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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
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.
Times of Oman
24-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Over 12,000 Labour Law violators nabbed in five months
MUSCAT: The Security and Safety Services Corporation (SSC) has intensified its role in enforcing labour market regulations, with 12,319 labour law violators arrested and 7,615 deported across Oman in the first five months of this year, according to its CEO, Retired Brigadier Saeed bin Sulaiman Al Asmi. Al Asmi said the crackdown is being conducted in close cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, aimed at upholding Oman's labour laws, particularly those relating to Omanised professions. 'These efforts are part of a broader national objective to regulate the labour market and ensure compliance with the laws of the Sultanate,' he said. He added that SSC's authority stems from its judicial policing powers and over 35 years of operational experience, which enable its inspection units to act decisively. In 2024, SSC apprehended 23,566 labour law violators, with 18,053 deported as part of its enforcement drive. Parallel to its enforcement efforts, SSC continues to make major strides in national employment. The corporation has become a model for effective public-private collaboration, providing specialised security and safety services while also contributing significantly to job creation for Omanis. Al Asmi confirmed that the corporation has achieved 100 percent Omanisation, with a workforce exceeding 12,210 citizens from all governorates of the Sultanate. 'This is a clear reflection of our unwavering commitment to empowering and qualifying Omani cadres according to the highest professional standards,' he said. From the beginning of this year until May, 665 Omani citizens have been recruited by SSC. Looking ahead, the corporation plans to absorb approximately 2,000 more Omanis —both male and female — by May 2026. He emphasised, 'This success would not have been possible without the continued support of the state and the confidence placed in us by governmental and private institutions. It also reinforces our vision to be a national enabler in building a sustainable and stable work environment.' Al Asmi said that SSC invests heavily in the training and field readiness of its staff. The corporation trains around 1,800 citizens annually to qualify them for positions in security, safety, and guarding. 'We are keen to ensure that all our personnel are trained both practically and in the field, which enhances their capabilities and preparedness for diverse tasks,' he explained. Coastal monitoring In addition to its labour enforcement and corporate security services, SSC also contributes to the protection of Oman's natural resources. In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the corporation monitors coastal zones to prevent illegal fishing activities. 'Using advanced tools such as drones and specially equipped surveillance vehicles, our teams work to safeguard fish stocks and marine life,' said Al Asmi. 'So far, more than 400 citizens have been trained in this domain through joint initiatives between our two entities.' Looking ahead, SSC is planning to expand its services further by embracing innovation in security technology. 'We aspire to broaden our expertise in industrial firefighting and occupational health services, with a focus on artificial intelligence in firefighting technologies,' said Al Asmi. He added that the corporation is working on a strategy to establish regional branches across Oman by 2030, further enhancing its reach and readiness to meet the growing demands of both public and private clients. Al Asmi reiterated SSC's unique role as a national model for integrated safety and security services, powered by Omani talent. 'We provide a safe and stable environment for institutions, and we do this with trained Omani cadres who perform their duties with a high degree of professionalism,' he said. He described the corporation as a 'supportive umbrella' for young Omanis in the private sector and a cornerstone of sustainable national development. 'Our path forward remains rooted in service excellence, national employment, and our responsibility to uphold the law.' - (With ONA inputs)
Observer
19-05-2025
- Observer
MoL tells firms to follow Midday break rules
Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has stated it is prohibited to employ workers in construction sites or exposed areas with high temperatures during the afternoon from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm during June, July, and August. The ministry called upon all private sector establishments to cooperate and comply with this procedure, which comes within the efforts to enhance a safe work environment and reduce injuries associated with high temperatures. Article 16 of the Ministry of Labour decision 286/2008 bars outdoor workers from working in high temperatures for three months, with working hours usually split between two shifts. The Ministry of Labour has mandated all construction sites and open areas to suspend work during midday hours to ensure the protection of workers. A campaign is underway in all governorates by officials of the ministry to raise awareness among workers and employers about the dangers of heat stress during the summer, and the necessity of taking preventive measures to maintain the health and safety of workers, especially in open work sites exposed to direct sunlight. The special provisions for workers include 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. The ministry is actively engaged in community awareness campaigns to discourage refuelling during the midday period unless necessary. 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 specialised team properly verifies the claims and undertakes the requisite actions.
