Cold drinks, umbrellas handed out to Abu Dhabi street cleaners

Abu Dhabi - Water and juices will be distributed twice a week until the end of September, officials said.

To help workers beat the heat as they clean up streets and gardens under the sun, the Abu Dhabi Municipality will be handing out cold drinks and umbrellas every Monday and Wednesday.
Teaming up with the General Women's Union, the municipality launched the Suqya initiative as summer peaks in the country. It will benefit around 1,500 people who are working outdoors at its facilities.
Water and juices will be distributed twice a week until the end of September, officials said. During the drive, all precautionary measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 will be strictly enforced.
Safety in hot weather
Last week, the Abu Dhabi City Municipality said its urban planning sector organised a summer safety workshop for workers at construction sites.
The initiative was part of the heat stress campaign that is being conducted with the participation of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the National Trading and Developing Enterprises (NTDE), along with private sector companies.
It was aimed at raising awareness among companies and workers about the importance of implementing the mid-day break for outdoor workers.
Under the policy, no work shall be performed under direct sunlight 12.30pm and 3pm. This mandatory break, which started on June 15, should be given to workers until September 15.
Firms caught violating the rule will be fined Dh5,000 per worker and a maximum of Dh50,000, if the case involves a large number of workers. Companies can even be suspended or temporarily stopped from operating, depending on the violation.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi