PAM to enforce midday work ban in open areas starting tomorrow

In a decisive move to uphold worker safety and align with international labor standards, the Public Authority for Manpower announced today, Saturday, the implementation of the annual midday ‘work ban’ in open areas, effective Sunday, June 1, and continuing through the end of August.

The ban prohibits any outdoor labor from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, in accordance with Administrative Resolution No. 535/2015, which was designed to protect workers from Kuwait’s intense summer heat.

Marzouq Al-Otaibi, the Acting Director of the Authority, emphasized that inspection teams will conduct unannounced visits to job sites to ensure strict compliance. Any violations will be documented, and legal measures will be taken against offenders.

Al-Otaibi explained that the initiative is not meant to reduce productivity but to regulate working hours in a way that ensures workers’ safety while avoiding project delays. “The purpose is to safeguard lives and uphold human dignity, especially under severe weather conditions,” he said.

He noted that the regulation has been well-received by companies across various sectors in previous years and is aligned with Kuwait’s commitment to international conventions on labor protections during peak heat hours.

The Authority reaffirmed that employers bear full responsibility for the health and safety of their employees, and that the ban reflects Kuwait’s broader goal of ensuring ethical and humane labor practices.

To bolster enforcement, citizens and workers are encouraged to report violations by calling the Authority’s dedicated hotline: 24936192. Reports will be investigated promptly, and appropriate action will follow.

This proactive measure once again demonstrates Kuwait’s dedication to safeguarding its workforce and ensuring labor conditions reflect both global best practices and human values during the scorching summer months.