Ministry of Labour Intensifies Summer Heat Protection Measures for Workers

Qatar Intensifies Worker Protection Against Heat Stress as Summer Temperatures Rise

As summer temperatures soar across the region, Qatar’s Ministry of Labour has strengthened its efforts to protect outdoor workers from the serious risks of heat stress. Through the implementation of strict regulations, public awareness campaigns, and proactive inspections, the ministry is committed to ensuring the health and safety of laborers, particularly those in high-risk outdoor professions.

In an interview with Al Rayyan TV, Jamal Abdulnasser Al-Sheiba, a Health and Occupational Safety Inspector at the Ministry, outlined the ministry’s comprehensive strategy to minimize heat-related injuries and establish Qatar as a leader in labor welfare. “We are dedicated to enhancing workplace safety and preventing heat-related illnesses during the critical summer months,” he said.

A cornerstone of this initiative is Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2021, which bans outdoor work under direct sunlight from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, effective annually from June 1 to September 15. The regulation applies to all outdoor laborers, including construction workers, infrastructure teams, delivery personnel, and outdoor security staff. Additionally, motorcycle-based deliveries are prohibited during these hours, with only air-conditioned vehicles permitted.

To enforce this regulation, the Ministry has deployed specialized inspection teams who regularly visit worksites across the country. These inspectors verify compliance with the heat stress rules and ensure that employers implement proper safety protocols.

Al-Sheiba emphasized that protecting workers from extreme heat is not only a moral obligation but also improves productivity. “No one can perform effectively under dangerous heat conditions. Protecting workers is essential for their wellbeing and the quality of their work,” he stated.

Beyond enforcement, the Ministry has launched comprehensive awareness campaigns aimed at both employers and workers. A key element of these campaigns is the engagement of community leaders from various expatriate groups. These leaders serve as trusted intermediaries, helping to communicate crucial safety information to workers who may have limited access to digital channels.

“Community leaders are invaluable,” said Al-Sheiba. “They help us reach workers more effectively by using familiar language and methods of communication.”

The Ministry also organizes regular training workshops for these community leaders, covering topics such as heat stress prevention, recognizing symptoms of heat exhaustion, and steps to take in case of an emergency. These workshops also provide a platform for feedback, enabling the Ministry to better understand the needs and concerns of the labor force.

The integrated approach—combining legislative enforcement, education, and community outreach—has significantly reduced cases of heat stress in recent years. Al-Sheiba reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to labor welfare and occupational safety.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every worker in Qatar is respected, protected, and provided a safe working environment,” he concluded. “These are basic human rights.”

Ministerial Decision No. 17 not only sets specific working hours during high-heat periods but also requires employers to conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation plans to address heat-related hazards in outdoor work environments. This reflects Qatar’s broader commitment to creating a safer and more humane labor environment, especially during the challenging summer season.