PAM to enforce midday work ban to protect workers from harsh summer conditions

In line with its annual protocols, the Public Authority for Manpower is in the process of forming inspection teams to enforce the provisions of Administrative Resolution No. 535/2015 which strictly prohibits the employment of laborers in open outdoor areas during peak heat hours — from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.— throughout the summer season, which spans from the beginning of June until the end of August.

This measure, according to Al-Anba daily, is implemented to protect workers from the risks associated with extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions typical of Kuwait’s summer.

According to PAM sources, preparations for this initiative will begin with the launch of a comprehensive awareness campaign titled #Their_Safety_Is_More_Important. The campaign will disseminate educational messages in multiple languages across social media platforms to ensure wide reach among employers and workers alike. The awareness drive will run concurrently with the organization and mobilization of occupational safety inspection teams.

These teams will be deployed over the course of the three-month enforcement period to monitor work sites across the country. Their duties will include conducting surprise field inspections to identify any breaches of the resolution, documenting violations, and taking appropriate legal action against non-compliant entities. The aim is to ensure strict adherence to the regulation and to hold violators accountable in accordance with labor laws.

PAM stressed that this seasonal restriction is not intended to reduce productivity or limit overall working hours, but rather to safeguard the health and safety of workers exposed to extreme environmental conditions. By regulating outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day, the resolution seeks to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries, while maintaining continuity and quality in project execution.

Officials highlighted that the resolution has been widely welcomed by companies across various sectors in recent years, reflecting growing awareness and cooperation within the private sector. The measure also demonstrates Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to aligning its labor practices with international standards, particularly concerning occupational safety during midday hours in high-temperature environments.

The Public Authority for Manpower strongly urged all business owners and contractors to strictly comply with the resolution, warning that failure to do so will result in legal repercussions. The Authority reaffirmed its dedication to protecting workers’ rights and promoting a safe and humane working environment across the country.