MUSCAT – Oman’s Ministry of Labour has issued a stern warning to construction companies and other employers operating in outdoor workplaces, saying strict legal action will be taken against firms that violate the annual midday work ban as authorities intensify inspections across the Sultanate.
Speaking exclusively to The Arabian Stories, a senior official at the Ministry of Labour said inspection teams have been deployed nationwide to monitor compliance with the three-month ban, which prohibits outdoor work in exposed areas between 12:30pm and 3:30pm during June, July and August.
The official said companies found violating the regulation face fines ranging from RO500 to RO1,000, in addition to administrative penalties under Oman’s labour laws.
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“Inspection campaigns are ongoing across various governorates to ensure companies comply with the midday work ban and occupational safety requirements. Legal measures will be taken against establishments found in violation,” the official said.
The warning comes as temperatures continue to rise across Oman, with some parts of the country recording close to 50°C in recent days. Oman Meteorology has already warned of above-average temperatures and intense heat conditions during the summer months, raising concerns over the health and safety of outdoor workers.
The Ministry of Labour said the midday work ban is designed to protect workers from heat stress, dehydration, heat exhaustion and other potentially serious health risks associated with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.
Inspection teams are conducting field visits to construction sites, industrial areas and other outdoor workplaces to verify compliance and ensure employers are implementing necessary safety measures.
The ministry urged companies to adjust work schedules, provide shaded rest areas, ensure access to drinking water and strictly adhere to the ban throughout the summer period.
Authorities stressed that worker safety remains a national priority and warned that no exceptions would be granted to firms that fail to comply with the regulation.
