23 Notices Issued as Workers Found Exposed to Extreme Heat During Kuwait's Midday Work Ban

Kuwait is actively enforcing a ban on outdoor work during the hottest midday hours to protect laborers from extreme heat. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has ramped up inspection campaigns to ensure employers adhere to the ministerial decree, which prohibits work in open areas from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. between June 1 and August 31.

PAM's inspection teams are instructing employers to provide safe working environments that meet occupational safety and health standards, specifically shielding workers from heat stress and direct sunlight during the prohibited period. The authority stressed that compliance with this decree is a reflection of employers' social and humanitarian responsibilities and is crucial for enhancing workplace safety.

Recent inspections in the Al-Mutlaa area resulted in the issuance of 23 notices for violations at seven work sites. Additionally, two workers were discovered to be employed under Article 20 of the labor law, which typically pertains to domestic workers or those under specific sponsorship arrangements, prompting necessary legal and administrative actions. PAM warned that inspection campaigns will continue throughout the summer ban period, and legal action will be taken against any violators.

The summer work ban is a critical measure aimed at mitigating occupational risks associated with Kuwait's harsh weather conditions. By ensuring workers are not exposed to extreme heat during peak hours, the initiative seeks to safeguard the workforce and promote a safer working environment for all employees in the country.