MUSCAT: The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has officially enforced a midday work prohibition for construction workers and others who work outside in Oman in order to safeguard them from the scorching summer heat.
The work ban began on Sunday, June 1, with personnel forbidden from working between 12:30 p. m. and 3:30 p. m. in regions vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
The yearly regulation, which lasts until the end of August, attempts to protect the health and safety of workers as temperatures rise above 45°C in several regions of the nation.
The Ministry of Labour states that fines for firms that breach the regulation range from OMR 500 to OMR 1,000.
"This ministerial decision is in place to protect workers from the scorching heat throughout the summer, when temperatures may reach dangerously high levels," said a ministry official. "We encourage all private sector businesses to closely abide with the regulation. "
Companies modify their schedules.
Many firms are proactively changing their work plans to comply with the new midday break rule while reducing production losses as it goes into effect.
"We've decided to move our operations to the evening to compensate for the midday break," said Sirajul Hoque, manager of Al Isterbkar Trading, a Muscat-based contracting business.
"Our employees will relax throughout the hottest hours and return to work after sunset, when it is safer. "
Others prefer early straight shifts. "We're starting our workday at 5:00 a. m. and finishing up by 12:00 p. m. , just before the break begins," said a site supervisor for a large construction company.
"This allows our workers to return to their housing and avoid the hottest parts of the day. "
International labor welfare best practices, notably in GCC countries, show that similar midday bans are implemented during peak summer months.
Companies in the UAE and Qatar, for example, frequently rotate shifts, lengthen project timelines, or use night work methods to maintain compliance without sacrificing project goals.
Workers appreciate the reprieve.
Workers who toil in severe summer heat welcome the noon break as a great source of refreshment.
"This week has been particularly terrible, with temperatures reaching 48°C in some locations," said Jasvwinder Singh, a 45-year-old construction worker.
"We were really looking forward to this vacation so we could relax, hydrate, and recover during the hottest hours of the day. "
Worker welfare.
The Ministries of Labor and Manpower have restated their appeal for firms to prioritize worker well-being and introduce effective time management strategies.
Inspections will be conducted to verify compliance.
The lunchtime break not only improves workplace safety, but it also demonstrates Oman's larger commitment to improving labour standards and complying with international standards.
