Workers, particularly those in the construction sector, are waiting for the mid-day outdoor work regulations to come into effect as the weather conditions become increasingly harsh.
Every year, the authorities put in place restrictions on outdoor work hours during the summer.
This year, as reported by Gulf Times on April 29, workers were informed at an event hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs that outdoor work would be banned from 11am to 3pm, from June 15 to August 31.
Construction workers, including those involved in road works and other infrastructure development projects across the country, find the going rather tough in the scorching conditions during the summer months. Usually, the mid-day work ban rule comes into effect from June 15 in Qatar, but many feel that this could be brought forward depending on the prevailing situation.
This year, many workers feel, the conditions are already quite harsh and the mid-day break rule could begin right away.
At least two other GCC states have already put their summer outdoor work guidelines in place, requiring construction companies not to deploy workers for outdoor tasks between 12noon and 3.30 pm, it is learnt.
The annual restriction of summer working hours is meant to protect workers from any risk of heat strokes or related problems, an official had explained at the event hosted by the ministry to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work and International Workers Day in the Industrial Area. The ministry also affirmed that any company that violated the summer working hours directive would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Speaking to Gulf Times, supervisors at some worksites said their workers were agreeable to an early start, for example around 3.30am, finishing the day’s work by 12noon. Some of the companies are already experimenting with such schedules, it is understood.
Meanwhile, enquiries reveal that due to logistical issues, many contractors - especially those with larger worksites - are unable to deploy workers in the evening when the weather is better.
Also, owing to the holy month of Ramadan - which is expected to start in the third week of June, a large number of workers would not be able to deliver evening duties, say sources. Even if there is rescheduling for evening work at some construction sites, as has been done at some locations over the last few years, it could come into effect only after the middle of July, they point out.
Another factor preventing contractors from rescheduling duty hours is the need to meet deadlines. A large number of road projects are being executed and some of them have their deadlines before December, it is understood. As every delay invites penalties, the contractors work under tremendous pressure, especially in the summer, the sources add.