JEDDAH: Members of sector committees affiliated with the Council of Saudi Chambers have tried to reach a settlement with the Ministry of Labor that would allow laborers to work on their projects during the day.

The attempt was made based on an agreement with the expatriate workers. This agreement entails working under the midday sun with monetary compensation.

The ministry rejected the agreements on humane concerns.

Sources at the Council of Saudi Chambers had said that the employers would ensure the safety of the workers, but argued that high quality work such as paving required that workers work under the sun. But the ministry stressed the importance of providing an adequate working environment such as setting up canopies, in order to guarantee that workers are not exposed to the sun directly during three-hour period between noon and 3 p.m.

The government ban is monitored by worksite inspection campaigns carried out by members of the ministry's field committees. The sites include commercial, governmental and residential projects along with other exposed worksites.

The Ministry of Labor considers this procedure to be part of a package that provides a safe working environment and contributes to elevating professional safety measures that protect workers from hazards and accidents, and ultimately increases their productivity.

Those who violate this law are liable to be fined between SR3,000 and SR10,000. The facility may also be shut down for good.