In a bid to ensure the well-being of outdoor workers, the Ministry of Labour has issued a stern warning to companies, emphasising the importance of adhering to the mid-day break rule. Failure to comply may result in severe consequences, as the ministry has reported approximately 250 violations since the implementation of the mid-day break on June 1.
From June 1 to August 31, all sites involving construction, facilities management, maintenance, and other outdoor employment must grant employees a break between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. The ministry remains vigilant, closely monitoring any breaches of the Labour Law.
Eng Zakaria bin Khamis al Saadi, Head of the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Ministry of Labour, stressed the significance of providing adequate rest time for workers employed outdoors. He emphasised that companies must rigorously implement measures to ensure compliance with the rule at their work premises.
"All companies with employees working under the sun must ensure their workers are given sufficient rest during this designated time. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action," stated Eng Zakaria. Violators of the mid-day break law, as per Section 118 of the Labour Law, may face fines ranging from RO 100 to 500, imprisonment of up to one month, or both, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.
Violations carry penalties of fines up to RO 500 and a maximum imprisonment period of one month, or a combination of both. Reports of non-compliant establishments can be submitted via phone or through the ministry's websites, and a specialised team diligently verifies the claims, taking necessary actions accordingly.
With the mid-day break period halfway through, the Ministry of Labour continues its inspections to ensure that workers receive their required rest time. The regulations, outlined in ministerial decision No 286/2008, apply to all workplaces in Oman and include the following requirements:
Nasser al Hadhrami, Assistant Director-General of Labour Inspection, clarified that companies in the oil and gas sector, essential services and similar industries can seek an exception to this rule by submitting a written application to the Ministry of Labour.
The regulation also states that companies requiring their staff to work in open spaces after obtaining the ministry's permit must provide adequate cold drinking water corresponding to the number of workers.
They must also furnish a shaded sitting room, enclosed on all four sides, in close proximity to the work site. This sitting room should be furnished, equipped with air conditioning, and appropriate for the number of workers.
Additionally, first aid boxes and materials, as well as first aiders (comprising at least 10 per cent of the total number of employees at each location) and certified medical staff members trained in basic first aid and CPR should be easily accessible for regular inspections conducted by officials.
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