U.A.E experiences high temperatures during the summer season, and the heat level gets too high for people to be able to work under such conditions. It is important that protections are laid down to ensure that employees are not forced to work in the scorching sun. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) implements the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy every year.

Objectives of the Policy

  1. Protect workers from heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
  2. Reduce workplace injuries caused by extreme temperatures.
  3. Promote occupational health and safety.
  4. Ensure employers maintain humane working conditions.
  5. Improve productivity by reducing heat-related illnesses.

What Is the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy?

The policy lays down certain rules that must be followed, and they are:

  1. These are effective from 15 June to 15 September each year.
  2. Labourers should strictly not be made to work from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
  3. All kinds of work that are carried out directly under sunlight and in open areas are banned; this is commonly referred to as the “midday work ban.”

Employer Obligations

The obligations imposed on employers are:

  1. They should provide shaded rest areas.
  2. They should install adequate cooling systems.
  3. They should ensure that there are sufficient drinking water and first-aid kits.
  4. They should make sure to monitor workers for signs of heat stress.
  5. They should organise work schedules to comply with the restricted hours.

Exceptions to the Midday Work Ban

  1. Essential Construction Activities – Activities such as asphalt laying and concrete pouring are exempted because such activities cannot be postponed.
  2. Emergency and Public Utility Works – Certain works that are inevitable, such as repairs to water supply, emergency maintenance, or hazard containment, are also exempted.
  3. Government-Permitted Activities – Works requiring permits from competent authorities.

Special Protection for Delivery Workers

  1. MOHRE’s initiative to establish air-conditioned rest stations.
  2. Cooperation between government authorities and delivery companies.
  3. The availability of interactive maps to locate resting stations.

Reporting Violations

Violations can be reported either through the MOHRE call centre, mobile application, or website complaint service.

Conclusion

The Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy reflects the UAE’s initiative to protect labourers from harsh working conditions of any kind. The UAE’s summer heat is highly dangerous to work in; hence, making anyone work in such heat unnecessarily would be a grievous violation of basic human rights. Compliance with these policies benefits both employers and employees by reducing accidents and fostering a safer workplace culture.

We at Ayesha Al Dhaheri Advocates and Legal Consultants advise employers and employees on labour law compliance, workplace safety obligations, employment disputes, and regulatory requirements under UAE labour legislation.