No more work under the sun, stipulates Ministry of Labor

The decision prohibits allowing the employee to engage in work that is exposed under the direct sunlight from 12 noon to 3 p.m. (SPA)

RIYADH: The Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) clamped a ban on laborers working in the field from 12 noon to 3 p.m. beginning Wednesday.

Dr. Fahid Alaoide, deputy minister for inspection and development of work environment at the MLSD, said here that the ban will be effective till Sept. 15, as part of the ministry’s efforts to protect the safety and health of workers in the private sector and also provide them a secure healthy working environment.
Pointing out that ministerial decision No. 3337, dated 15/7/1435, puts in place instructions relating to the work ban under the sun in both letter and spirit, the official said that the ban protects outdoor workers from possible danger in accordance to the standards of occupational safety and health.
“The decision prohibits allowing the employee to engage in work that is exposed under the direct sunlight from 12 noon to 3 p.m. between June 15 and September15 that occur every year of the Gregorian calendar,” he noted.
Alaoide added that the decision makes an exception for oil and gas companies and maintenance employees working during emergencies, providing that employers make necessary measures to protect them from the hot sun.
The deputy minister urged employers to abide by the midday work ban in the light of the ministry’s unswerving efforts to maintain a proper working environment against diverse dangers and raise the performance of work.
In reference to efforts made, the ministry has sought to implement protection measures to limit work injuries and accidents, which would lead to the improvement of production levels, Alaoide stressed.
Alaoide also added the exemption continues to cover various parts of the Kingdom due to fluctuating temperatures from one city to another.
Meanwhile, some temperatures drop down in some cities and rural areas, which does not require such suspension of work during the mentioned duration, he added.
The directors general of the ministry’s branches have been notified to coordinate with governorates across the Kingdom to regulate the ban, he said further.
Such a move is a bid to define to what extent interdiction should be enforced in work as the climatic conditions and heatwaves of each province is accordingly varied.
Alaoide called upon Saudi citizens and residents to file an inquiry or a complaint regarding the decision by contacting the customer service no. at 19911 or visiting the “Rasd” website at http://rasd.ma3an.gov.sa/.