Awareness drive informs workers on rights, safety

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Awareness drive informs workers on rights, safety
A Ministry of Human Resources official giving out awareness leaflets to workers

Dubai - The ministry started its awareness programme among Abu Dhabi workers with a focus on occupational safety and health requirements associated with the midday break rule

by

Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Wed 12 Jul 2017, 11:42 PM

Last updated: Thu 13 Jul 2017, 1:44 AM

Thousands of brochures and leaflets have been handed out to Abu Dhabi outdoor workers to educate them about their rights and on how to keep safe during the hot weather.
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation officials behind the initiative also carried out inspection visits to various construction sites in Abu Dhabi as part of enforcement for the midday outdoor work ban.
The ministry said it started its awareness programme among Abu Dhabi workers with a focus on occupational safety and health requirements associated with the midday break rule.
On Monday, officials from the ministry's mobile unit visited some construction sites in Mohammed bin Zayed City, conducted lectures and gave out brochures and leaflets with safety and security tips, such as drinking plenty of water while on duty, not staying under the direct sun for many hours and the basic first aid tips in case someone becomes unconscious due to dehydration and heat stroke. The lectures and brochures are in Arabic, Urdu, Hindi and English.
Officials also told workers about their right to take a break between 12.30pm to 3.30pm - the hottest hours of the day. The daily midday break for workers started on June 15 this year and will continue until September 15. The law requires employers to post a clear schedule of the daily working hours during the midday break, plus provide workers shelter during the break.
Employers are also urged to provide all necessary health kits for workers exposed to hazards and dangerous tools.
According to the ministry, violators are fined Dh5,000 per worker if found working during the announced break hours, to a maximum Dh50,000 if the case involves a huge number of workers.
An official said the inspection officials began their visits two weeks ago in six Abu Dhabi industrial zones, including Mussafah, ICAD Industrial City, Al Mafraq Industrial Park, Workers' Housing in Al Dhafra, Workers in Al Raha Village and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.
The next awareness and inspection visits will be in Sharjah, from August 13 to 24. The Ministry's representatives will be visiting 17 industrial zones in the emirate, including Al Sajaa, Al Saida and Malihah.
These will be followed by visits to 12 other areas in Ajman Industrial City, Manama, Al Hamra Industrial Park, Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Industrial Zone and Julfar, as well as Khorfakkan and Fujairah areas.
Industrial and construction areas that have already been covered are Al Qusais, Al Quoz, Jebel Ali, Deira, Bur Dubai, Ras Al Khor, Muhsin, Sunapur, Umm Rumool, Al Satwa, Dubai Investment Park, Karama, Naif and Al Nahda.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com


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