Implementing a policy to protect workers from heat stress from June 15 until September 15

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced the implementation of the “Policy to Protect Workers from Heat Stress” for the 22nd year in a row, starting from June 15 and continuing until September 15, 2026. It prohibits performing work under the sun and in open spaces from 12:30 noon until three in the evening during the period of application of the aforementioned policy.

The continued regulation of the policy to protect workers from heat stress reflects the UAE’s humanitarian approach to the labor market, and the sustainable efforts to enhance the pioneering work environment and protect workers in accordance with the highest standards and requirements for occupational health and safety, in a way that supports productivity and consolidates the country’s position as an ideal global destination for living, working, and investing.

Dalal Al Shehhi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry for the Labor Protection Sector, stressed the importance of the partnership methodology adopted by the Ministry with the private sector and its vital role in enhancing the leading work environment model in the country, especially in light of companies recording in previous years a level of commitment exceeding 99% in implementing the policy of protecting workers from heat stress, through their compliance with commitments and launching competitive initiatives that support workers during the afternoon rest period, appreciating the efforts of the Ministry’s partners in the government and private sectors and community members in enhancing the success of this pioneering initiative since its launch, and supporting the journey. The leading labor market in the country.

She explained that the policy of protecting workers from heat stress is an acquisition in the labor market, a major foundation in the occupational health and safety system, and a well-established culture among employers, given its importance in preserving the health and safety of workers, protecting them, and sparing them from injuries and damages that may result from working at high temperatures during the summer months.

The policy of protecting workers from heat stress takes into account ensuring the continuity of work in a way that serves the objectives of the public interest, as it stipulates the exception of some jobs in which it is necessary to work without stopping for technical reasons. Such as the work of spreading asphalt mixture and pouring concrete if it is not possible to implement or complete it after the ban, and the work necessary to ward off danger or repair malfunctions that affect society in general, such as interruptions in water supply lines, power outages, interruptions in traffic, and other malfunctions in basic services. The exception also includes works whose implementation requires a permit from a competent government agency due to their impact on movement and public life.

The “Policy to Protect Workers from Heat Stress” obliges companies to provide shaded places for workers to protect them from the sun’s rays during the period of cessation of work, or during the practice of excepted licensed work, and to provide appropriate cooling tools such as fans, sufficient quantities of water, and moisturizing materials such as salts and similar materials approved for use by the local authorities in the country, and other amenities, and first aid equipment in the workplace.

The leading inspection system in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation monitors the extent of companies’ compliance through its smart digital tools and field tours, in parallel with the implementation of awareness campaigns to publicize the importance of this policy and its role in preserving the health and safety of workers.

The Ministry receives reports about negative practices or any violations monitored by community members through the call center at 600590000 and through the Ministry’s website and smart application.