MoHRE outlines mandatory requirements for summer mid-day break

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has outlined mandatory requirements for all organisations regarding protection of workers during the summer months.

All organisations across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must provide necessary support such as access to cold drinking water, hydration aids such as salt and lemon, first aid supplies, industrial cooling methods, and proper sun protection with shades, etc., at open work sites.

The Ministry said, “The ‘Occupational Heat Stress Prevention’ Policy, which came into effect on June 15 and applies daily from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM until September 15, outlines a set of obligations that employers must comply with to protect workers’ health and ensure their occupational safety.”

The heat stress protection policy for all outdoor workers was implemented on June 15 and will continue until September 15, 2025— the peak summer months in the region. The Ministry is also inspecting all construction sites across the UAE to ensure all regulations are being followed by companies to protect workers from heat exhaustion, ensuring the health, safety, comfort, and happiness of workers.

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It also appreciated the efforts of all private sector organisations adding, “We appreciate the commitment of private sector establishments and their adherence to occupational health and safety standards and requirements at various work sites, to provide a safe working environment for workers and ensure their health and safety in light of the high temperatures during the summer months.”

The Ministry has also arranged 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations for all outdoor workers, especially delivery service personnel, to ensure they get shaded rest during the mid-day break hours. And directed all employers to set up similar shaded rest stations for their workers, so they can be protected from heat stroke.