Mol Intensifies Efforts To Protect Workers From Heat

Doha, Qatar: As temperatures rise across the region, the Ministry of Labour in Qatar has intensified its efforts to protect workers from the dangers of heat stress during the summer. Through strict regulations, awareness campaigns, and active inspections, the ministry aims to safeguard the health and safety of its labor force, particularly those in outdoor and high-risk professions.

Speaking to Al Rayyan TV, a Health and Occupational Safety Inspector at the Ministry of Labour, Jamal Abdulnasser Al-Sheiba outlined the ministry's comprehensive plan to reduce cases of heat stress and elevate Qatar's role as a model in labor protection.“We are working to enhance workplace conditions and prevent heat-related injuries during the critical summer period,” he said.

The Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2021, which prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight from 10am to 3.30pm between June 1 and September 15 every year. This includes construction workers, infrastructure laborers, delivery drivers, and outdoor security personnel. The law also bans the use of motorcycles for deliveries during these hours, permitting only air-conditioned vehicles.

The Ministry of Labour enforces this decision through a dedicated team of inspectors, who conduct field visits to construction sites and other outdoor work environments.

Their role is to ensure companies comply with the law and implement proper heat stress prevention protocols.

Al-Sheiba emphasised that these actions are not only essential for protecting lives but also improve worker performance.“A worker exposed to extreme heat cannot be expected to perform at their best. Ensuring their safety is both a moral and practical responsibility,” he stated.

In addition to enforcement, the ministry has launched extensive awareness campaigns targeting workers and employers.

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A key component of these campaigns is the involvement of community leaders from various expatriate groups. These leaders play a pivotal role in spreading occupational safety culture, particularly among workers with limited access to digital communication tools.

“We found that engaging community leaders helps us reach a wider audience. They are effective messengers who understand how to communicate with workers clearly and efficiently,” Al-Sheiba said.

Workshops are held regularly where leaders are educated about the heat stress regulations, symptoms of heat exhaustion, and ways to prevent it.

These workshops also serve as platforms for dialogue, allowing community representatives to share feedback with the ministry.

The ministry's integrated strategy-combining law enforcement, education, and community engagement-has significantly contributed to reducing heat stress incidents.

Al-Sheiba reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to labour welfare, noting that these initiatives reflect the country's leadership in occupational safety and its dedication to upholding workers' rights.

“These are fundamental human rights,” he concluded.“Our duty is to ensure every worker in Qatar is protected, respected, and provided with a safe environment.”

The Ministerial Decision (No. 17) sets working hours and other measures to protect workers from heat stress.

The main changes introduced with the new legislation are the extension of the prohibited hours of work in outdoor workplaces (where workers are exposed to weather conditions such as solar radiation, humidity and heat) from June 1 to September 15, starting from 10 am, until 3.30 pm and the obligation for employers to prepare a risk assessment to mitigate the risk of heat stress.

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