UAE midday break for workers starts today
The UAE's midday break for outdoor workers came into effect on Sunday.
The break runs until September 15 and prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12.30pm and 3pm.
The annual initiative, overseen by the ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, was first introduced in 2004 and gives employees respite from the scorching summer heat.
Companies will be fined Dh5,000 for each time a worker breaches the midday ban and up to a maximum of Dh50,000 if several cases take place.
The safety measures came back into force after the UAE has seen climate records tumble. The country has recorded its hottest April and May since records began.
'Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break is rooted in a sustainability-centred approach that the UAE implements in line with its commitment to providing a safe working environment as per international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by working in high temperatures during the summer months,' the ministry said on social media.
The ministry said 51 infractions were uncovered last year as a result of 134,000 inspections, down from 96 the previous year.
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