As high summer temperatures approach, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) is increasing enforcement of its midday outdoor work ban to safeguard workers from heat-related health risks. The regulation prohibits outdoor labor between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the months of June, July, and August.
The policy is outlined in Administrative Resolution No. 535/2015 and is intended to protect workers, especially those in construction and similar outdoor sectors, from dangerous levels of heat exposure. PAM officials clarified that the measure is focused on health and safety, rather than reducing total working hours.
To ensure compliance, PAM will conduct unannounced inspections at construction sites and other outdoor workplaces throughout the summer. Employers found violating the regulation will face legal penalties, although specific sanctions were not disclosed.
Beginning in early May, PAM rolled out a multilingual public awareness campaign titled “Their Safety is Most Important.” The campaign will utilize social media platforms to educate both employers and workers about the dangers of extreme heat and the importance of complying with the midday ban.
The authority emphasized that the regulation does not intend to halt work but rather shift working hours to safer periods of the day. PAM assured the public that measures are in place to keep infrastructure and construction projects on schedule despite the restrictions.
According to PAM, employers have largely complied with the policy in recent years. The authority is urging businesses to continue cooperating and uphold worker protection standards during the upcoming summer months.
