Average compliance with the midday break given to outdoor workers from 12:30 to 3:00 pm were 99.6 per cent in Abu Dhabi, 98 in Al Ain, 94 in Dalma island and 93 in the Western Region, a senior labour official has disclosed.
The midday break rule was first implemented in 2005 as per a ministerial decision that stipulated all outdoor work should come to a halt between that time during the hottest months of July and August.
Mohsen Saeed, Director Labour Inspection Department, Ministry of Labour, revealed the figure following a visit he made along with top Red Crescent officials to a number of work sites.
He said firms caught violating the midday break rule were 37 in Abu Dhabi, 30 in Al Ain, 6 in Western Region and two in Dalma.
Volunteers of the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) offered selective health services to the workers and gave out booklets on first aid and prevention from heat stroke.
Foodstuff, beverages and helmets were also distributed to workers.
RCA Secretary General Dr. Saleh Al Taie said the RCA would conduct a series programmes in support of the Ministry of Labour.
”A first aid training course will be conducted for foremen to allow them rescue workers hit by heat exhaustion and work injuries,”he added.
WAM
