Firms Violating Midday Rules in Oman to Be Penalised

Companies violating the midday work rule at outdoor places in June, July and August from 12:30pm until 3:30pm will be imposed a fine up to OMR500, or imprisonment for up to one month, or both.

Zakaria Al-Saadi, Occupational Safety and Health Department at the General Directorate of Labor Welfare, said that the penalty will double with the repetition of the violation, local media reported.

He added that this move comes as part of the Ministry of Labour's (MoL) set of precautionary measures to protect workers in extreme environments.

Earlier this month, the ministry conducted campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of the law stating that during the summer months, the work is restricted at midday on construction sites and in open areas.

The ministry said that this policy is in accordance with the third clause of Article 16 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.

In accordance with Article 16 of Ministerial Decision No. 286/2008, outdoor workers in Oman are not permitted to work in the summer under hot temperatures. Due to the midday break hours, the working hours are often divided into two shifts.