Muscat: Oman has announced midday break for workers between 12.30pm and 3.30pm for three months starting June 1, according to the Ministry of Manpower.
“Work at all outdoor work sites, including construction, must stop between the given time, otherwise the ministry will take legal action against the violators of this regulation,” the ministry said.
The ministry affirmed that it is committed to protecting the rights of workers. It pointed out that a special team has been formed to catch anyone violating the rule. “Violations can be reported at 80077000,” the ministry added.
The midday break is announced every year in accordance with Article 16 of the Oman Labour Law for occupational safety and health regulations, which states that workers must not work at construction sites or in open areas from 12.30pm to 3:30pm during the months of June, July and August.
Violators can be fined between 100 to 500 Omani riyals, and jailed for at least one month, according to article 118 of the Labour Law.
In 2016, more than 200 companies were found violating the midday break, according to the ministry.
Mohammad Arshad, a construction worker in the capital Muscat, told Gulf News that it is unbearable to work under a scorching summer sun.
“I hope all companies follow midday break especially in Ramadan as many suffer from acute dehydration,” he said.
More than 500,000 expatriates work in the construction sector in the country, according to the Ministry of Manpower figures.
In Muscat and most other cities in the country, temperatures hover between 40 and 47 degree Celsius.
