Kamal Ghorui
Kuwait has urged companies to temporarily suspend outdoor work as unstable and potentially dangerous weather conditions sweep across the country, raising serious safety concerns for workers exposed to open environments.The advisory, issued on March 26, comes as authorities warn of worsening weather patterns, including strong winds, possible thunderstorms and fluctuating temperatures. Officials say the move is a precautionary step aimed at preventing workplace incidents and protecting labourers, particularly those in high-risk sectors.The decision reflects growing urgency across the Gulf to prioritise worker safety as extreme and unpredictable weather events become more frequent.
Kuwait outdoor work suspension
Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has formally called on companies to temporarily halt outdoor work, citing what it described as “unstable weather conditions” affecting the country.In its advisory, PAM specifically urged businesses whose operations rely on outdoor labour, including construction firms, delivery services and contracting companies to stop work at external sites until conditions improve.Authorities clarified that the measure is precautionary and temporary, with work expected to resume once the weather stabilises. The authority also emphasised that ensuring a safe working environment must remain a top priority for all employers.Officials further acknowledged the role of private companies in implementing safety measures, urging full cooperation to minimise risks during this period of weather instability.
Extreme weather conditions in Kuwait
The advisory comes alongside warnings of severe and unstable weather, including heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, which can significantly increase risks for outdoor workers.Such conditions not only reduce visibility and increase accident risks but also create hazardous working environments at construction sites and open areas. Sudden weather shifts, common during seasonal transitions, can further intensify the danger.While Kuwait is globally known for extreme summer heat often exceeding 45°C, current conditions highlight that weather-related risks are not limited to peak summer months. Combined factors such as humidity, dust storms and rainfall can still create unsafe working conditions even outside the hottest period.Health experts warn that exposure to such environments can lead to fatigue, dehydration, reduced concentration and higher accident probability, particularly in physically demanding jobs.
Gulf worker safety rules
Kuwait’s move aligns with broader Gulf efforts to protect outdoor workers from environmental hazards. Countries across the region, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, routinely enforce midday work bans during peak summer months, typically restricting outdoor labour during the hottest hours of the day.In Kuwait, similar seasonal rules are implemented annually, usually between June and August, when temperatures reach extreme levels. This latest advisory, however, highlights how authorities are increasingly willing to act outside traditional timelines when conditions become unsafe.Earlier this month, Kuwait also introduced temporary restrictions on outdoor activities, including marine and desert operations, as part of wider safety measures during adverse weather conditions.
Looking ahead
Authorities have made it clear that worker safety must take precedence over operational deadlines, urging companies to take proactive steps during this period.Employers are expected to reschedule outdoor tasks, monitor weather updates closely and ensure that workers are not exposed to unnecessary risks.For workers, the advisory serves as a reminder to remain alert to changing conditions and report unsafe environments immediately.As Kuwait navigates another phase of unpredictable weather, the government’s message remains clear: preventive action today can avoid serious consequences tomorrow, reinforcing the importance of safety-first policies across all sectors.
