The break came into effect this year. It requires employers to prevent workers from toiling in the sun from noon to 3 p.m. in the months June to August.

“This week we have filed a formal petition with the Ministry of Labor and held a workshop in which the need to enforce the midday work ban was discussed,” NSHR President Mofleh Al-Qahtani told Arab News.

“We discussed that we have many cases and are hearing many complaints about companies forcing their employees to work in the sun during the banned hours,” he said.

The NSHR, Al-Qahtani said, is also monitoring work sites to detect and report violators, who face fines of up to SR10,000 and 30 days closure for disobeying the new law.

Expecting temperatures to break 50C (122F) Civil Defense authorities this week sent out a circular warning companies not to allow employees to drive in the heat during peak times due to expected higher temperatures.

“All motorists should be advised not to fill their gas tanks to the maximum, as the high temperatures could overheat the gas tanks,” the circular warned.

Outdoor workers who are being instructed to disregard the mandatory daily three-hour work break can register their complaint at 210-2223 or visit the NSHR website at www.nshr.org.sa