KT readers, firms favour night-only work shifts for construction workers

Responding to an opinion poll on Khaleej Times’ web site , a reader, Anthony was supportive of the suggestion which is in favour of workers specially during summer, while another reader, Arshad termed it as being a humane gesture. Gjo feels that the efficiency of workers could be utilised to the maximum if they are made to work at night “as there is nothing hindering their work progress, like the mid-morning sun.” He added that adopting the night shift timing with the suitable measures such as sound proofing the neighbouring buildings, could help the workers perform to their fullest.

Subash K. Nair is also in favour of the suggestion. He commented: “As the climate conditions here are very harsh and unbearable, it will be a relief to workers if they can work at night in a slightly better weather.”

Listing the advantages of night-only shift, he added: “Illness due to dehydration can be minimised and it would also be a humanitarian gesture considering that we all sit in the comfort of air-conditioned climate while the poor workmen suffer pathetically.” Gigi Kumar, Managing Director, Dubai Air-conditioning establishment said that his prime interest is his workers’ safety and well-being. “We have to analise a lot of factors before adopting night only shift. The work site should have electricity to work at night. The demand of the client is also important and should be taken into consideration. But ultimately if workers want to avoid day shift to escape from the killing heat I will go for it.”

“I always care about my workers who might not be used to the radical change in their working hours in the beginning, but I am willing to to adopt night only shift if that is what they prefer.”

Night inspection campaigns on companies and construction worksites will be intensified to catch and penalise defaulters violating labour regulations, a labour ministry source told Khaleej Times yesterday.

Commenting on the latest proposal to adopt night-shifts for construction workers involved in mega-building projects around the country, the official said many companies in the absence of night inspectors work as they like without fear of being detected or penalised. He added that the labour ministry's night inspection section will now ensure that this does not happen and keep a close watch on the situation.

“A company is free to opt for night-shifts but it should abide itself by the provision of the Federal Law No. (8) of 1980 regarding working conditions, especially provisions dealing with over-time for workers,” he affirmed. The employer or company owner is also required to obtain prior permission from other concerned authorities like the municipality for night work.