MOL Closes 388 Work Sites for Non-Compliance With Summer Work Ban

Doha, September 24 (QNA) - The Ministry of Labour (MOL) closed 388 work sites between June 1 June Sept. 15, 2026, for non-compliance with Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2021 concerning the precautions required to protect workers from heat stress during the summer work ban. 
MOL emphasized that these measures intended to protect workers from heat stress, strengthen Occupational Safety and Health standards and reinforce compliance with applicable labour legislation, all in alignment with the MOL's strategic goals and the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aim to provide a safe, healthy, and sustainable work environment. 
In enforcing the ban, the Occupational Safety and Health Department conducted intensive field inspections to verify entities' compliance with Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2021 and their implementation of the approved preventive measures, particularly during peak hours when temperatures and humidity levels are highest. Following these inspections, the ministry initiated the requisite legal action and ordered the closure of the non-compliant work sites for three days in accordance with established procedures. 
Beyond enforcement, the MOL said that publishing the inspection results is intended to increase awareness among employers and workers of the importance of compliance, while promoting prevention and shared responsibility at work sites. 
To sustain this progress, the ministry urged all entities to comply fully with the Decision and to implement the approved preventive measures against heat stress. Inspection and awareness programs will continue throughout the year to safeguard workers and support compliance across Qatar’s labour market. 
The ministry's ongoing work builds upon the 2026 Heat Stress Prevention Campaign, implemented from June 1 to Sept. 15, 2026, in cooperation with government entities and private-sector partners. Through awareness and inspection programs for employers and workers across various sectors, the campaign enhanced understanding of the approved preventive measures and reinforced compliance with Occupational Safety and Health requirements. (QNA)