Kuwait issues a warning to stop working outdoors with harsh conditions / Photo: File
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.This warning, issued on March 26, comes as authorities warn of deteriorating weather patterns, including strong winds, possible thunderstorms, and fluctuating temperatures. Officials say the move is a precautionary step aimed at preventing workplace accidents and protecting workers, especially those working in high-risk sectors.This decision reflects the growing urgency across the Gulf region to prioritize worker safety with the increasing frequency of severe and unpredictable weather events.
Kuwait suspends outdoor work
The Public Authority for Manpower in Kuwait officially called on companies to temporarily stop outdoor work, citing what it described as “unstable weather conditions” affecting the country.In its advisory, the PAM specifically urged companies whose operations depend on outside labor, including construction companies, delivery services and contracting companies, to halt work at offshore sites until conditions improve.
The authorities explained that this measure is precautionary and temporary, and work is expected to resume as soon as the weather stabilizes. The authority also stressed that ensuring a safe working environment must remain a top priority for all employers.Officials also acknowledged the role of private companies in implementing safety measures, and urged full cooperation to reduce risks during this period of unstable weather.
Extreme weather conditions In Kuwait
These advisories come alongside warnings of severe and unstable weather, including heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, which can significantly increase the risks to workers outdoors.Such conditions not only reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents, but also create hazardous working environments on construction sites and open areas. Sudden climate changes, common during seasonal shifts, can increase the risk.While Kuwait is known globally for its extreme summer heat that often exceeds 45 degrees Celsius, current conditions highlight that weather-related risks are not limited to the summer months. Combined factors such as humidity, dust storms and rainfall continue to create unsafe working conditions even outside of the hottest periods.Health experts warn that exposure to such environments can lead to fatigue, dehydration, decreased concentration, and increased possibility of accidents, especially in jobs that require physical effort.
Gulf worker safety rules
Kuwait’s move is in line with broader Gulf efforts to protect outdoor workers from environmental risks. Countries in the region, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, routinely implement midday work bans during the peak summer months, and typically restrict outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day.In Kuwait, similar seasonal rules apply annually, usually between June and August, when temperatures reach maximum levels.
However, this latest advice highlights how authorities are increasingly willing to act outside traditional timescales when conditions become unsafe.Earlier this month, Kuwait also imposed temporary restrictions on outdoor activities, including offshore and desert operations, as part of broader safety measures during adverse weather conditions.
Looking forward
The authorities explained that worker safety should take priority over operational deadlines, and urged companies to take proactive steps during this period.Employers are expected to reschedule outside assignments, closely monitor weather updates, and ensure that workers are not exposed to unnecessary risks.For workers, this warning is a reminder to stay alert to changing conditions and to report unsafe environments immediately.As Kuwait goes through another phase of unpredictable weather, the government’s message remains clear: preventive measures today can avoid serious consequences tomorrow, reinforcing the importance of safety-first policies across all sectors.
