More than 400 representatives of construction companies attended an awareness workshop held by Abu Dhabi City Municipality on heat safety regulations and heat stress prevention
The workshop aimed to familiarise employers and site supervisors with the importance of implementing heat stress management programmes and adopting the necessary preventive measures to minimise the impact of working in hot weather conditions, thereby ensuring a safe and healthy working environment at construction sites.
It included a presentation on the mechanisms for implementing the Midday Work Ban during the summer period, heat safety requirements, and the key measures that must be followed to ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.
The Midday Work Ban applies to workers carrying out duties in open areas and under direct sunlight. It applies from 12-30pm to 3.00 pm from 15 June to 15 September. Key categories include construction workers, road and infrastructure workers, excavation and utility workers, external maintenance personnel, landscaping, agriculture and park workers, as well as cleaning and waste collection workers operating outdoors. The ban does not apply to employees working inside enclosed buildings or air-conditioned facilities equipped with appropriate protective measures, provided that occupational health and safety requirements are fully observed.
The Municipality emphasised the importance of compliance with the resolution by contractors and workers in the construction sector in order to safeguard workers’ health and safety. The session highlighted the risks associated with working during periods of high temperatures, methods of preventing heat stress, emergency response procedures, and the importance of providing appropriate cooling facilities, rest breaks and hydration solutions at work sites.
Omar Mohammed Al Shahi, acting director of the Municipal Services Sector at Abu Dhabi City Municipality, stated that the workshop reflects the Municipality’s commitment to promoting a culture of prevention across work sites and supporting companies operating in the construction sector in implementing best practices in occupational health and safety. He noted that these efforts contribute to protecting workers from heat stress risks and fostering a safe and sustainable working environment throughout the summer season.
Abu Dhabi City Municipality urged members of the public and workers at construction sites to report any violations relating to non-compliance with the Midday Work Ban or heat safety requirements through the approved official channels or via email at
The Municipality said it intends to continue implementing awareness programmes and inspection campaigns throughout the Midday Work Ban period to enhance companies’ preparedness for summer working conditions and further strengthen the culture of safety and prevention within the construction sector.
These efforts contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable working environment that protects workers’ health and wellbeing while supporting quality of life in Abu Dhabi.
Other Gulf states also implement midday work bans and have implemented initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers of heat stress. International Labour Organization (ILO) reports highlight that more than 2.4bn workers are exposed to excessive heat globally, resulting in more than 22.85mn occupational injuries each year.
https://hsereview.com/regional-coverage/middle-east/qatar-strengthens-heat-safety-measures
