Oman swelters as midday work ban takes effect

MUSCAT: Oman’s Ministry of Labour has warned companies of strict penalties for violating the annual midday work ban, which comes into effect on June 1.

The three-month ban prohibits outdoor work in exposed areas between 12:30pm and 3:30pm during June, July and August, as part of efforts to protect workers from extreme summer heat. The warning comes as Oman experiences one of its most intense heatwaves of the season, with temperatures across several governorates approaching the 49°C mark.

According to data released by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Saham recorded the highest temperature in the Sultanate over the past 24 hours at a scorching 48.6°C on Sunday. Several other regions also registered extreme temperatures, including Al Kamil Wa Al Wafi (47.9°C), Sohar (47.7°C), Fahud (47.4°C), Al Rustaq (47.3°C) and Dima Wat Tayeen (47.1°C).

Other areas experiencing exceptionally hot conditions included Wadi Al Maawil at 46.8°C, while Muqshin, Sur, Bidbid and Muhkaiznah each recorded 46.6°C, underscoring the widespread nature of the heatwave affecting both coastal and inland regions.

The ministry reiterated that employing workers at construction sites or in areas directly exposed to the sun between 12:30pm and 3:30pm is strictly prohibited throughout the three-month period.

“Every year, workers are prohibited from carrying out duties outside shaded areas or in locations directly exposed to sunlight from June 1 to August 31 due to high temperatures. Stringent measures will be taken against violators of the midday break rule to ensure its implementation at all outdoor work sites,” a ministry official said.

Under the Labour Law, violators face fines ranging from OMR100 to OMR500 and may also face imprisonment for up to one month, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offence.

Last year, several companies faced legal action and financial penalties for failing to comply fully with the midday work ban, highlighting the authorities’ commitment to enforcing worker safety regulations during the peak summer months.