As of tomorrow, Monday, June 15, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will begin implementing the “Policy to Protect Workers from Heat Stress” and will continue until September 15, 2026. It prohibits performing work under the sun and in open spaces from 12:30 pm until 3 pm during the policy implementation period.
The Ministry confirmed that the leading inspection system monitors the extent of companies’ compliance through its smart digital tools and field tours, in parallel with the implementation of awareness campaigns to publicize the importance of this policy and its role in preserving the health and safety of workers.
She added that: “The policy to protect workers from heat stress” obliges companies to provide shaded places for workers that protect them from the sun’s rays during the period when they are not working, or during the practice of excepted licensed work, and to provide appropriate cooling tools such as fans, sufficient quantities of water, and moisturizing materials such as salts and similar materials that are approved for use by local authorities in the country, and other amenities, and first aid equipment in the workplace.
The policy of protecting workers from heat stress takes into account ensuring the continuation of work in a way that serves the objectives of the public interest, as it stipulates the exception of some works in which work is necessary without interruption for technical reasons, such as the work of laying asphalt mixture and pouring concrete if it is not possible to implement or complete it after the ban, and the work necessary to ward off danger or repair malfunctions that affect society in general, such as interruption of water supply lines, power outages, traffic interruptions, and other malfunctions in basic services. The exception also includes works whose implementation requires a permit from a government agency. Specialized in its impact on movement and public life.
The Ministry receives reports about negative practices or any violations monitored by community members through the call center at 600590000 and through the Ministry’s website and smart application.
The continuation of regulating the policy to protect workers from heat stress for the 22nd year in a row reflects the UAE’s humanitarian approach to the labor market, and the sustainable efforts to enhance the pioneering work environment and protect workers in accordance with the highest standards and requirements for occupational health and safety, in a way that supports productivity and consolidates the country’s position as an ideal global destination for living, working, and investing.
