Starting June 1, Outdoor Workers Will Get a 3-hour Midday Break

 The Ministry of Labour (MoL) announced that beginning June 1st, outdoor workers will stop working between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm as they start the three-month midday break. Heavy fines will be imposed on organizations that don't follow the rules.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) 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 Directorate General of Labour in Muscat governorate implemented an awareness campaign for business owners about the policy of stopping work from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm on construction sites in the months of June, July and August," MoL stated.

The ministry further added, “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.