JEDDAH: Despite a clear ban on work under the sun, many laborers including cleaners and field workers in Jeddah continue to work in the afternoon hours in the month of July when hot weather reaches a record 50 degrees Celsius.

It may be noted here that the ban was clamped after the Ministry of Labor and Social Development issued a decree prohibiting employers to let their staff work outside between 12 noon and 3 p.m. during July 1-August-end, every year to protect their safety and health.

According to Al-Madinah, it found a number of violations of the ban on working under the sun during the afternoon.

Article 236 of the Labor Code stipulates the penalties for those who violate the ruling, laying down a fine of SR 3,000 to SR 10,000 for each violation, or the closure of the company for up to 30 days, if applicable.

Hisham Hanboli, a lawyer, said: “The cleaners are the groups that suffer the most from working long hours under the sun, and in return they earn a little stipend compared to the difficulty of their work. They also suffer from harassment during their work on the roads by some groups, as well as being robbed in some cases. If the community were to feel the amount of the fatigue that they are exposed to, people would help by putting their waste in the designated garbage areas instead of throwing it into the streets and in public places.”

Hanboli said that cultural reason behind this is the lack of respect for the cleaners, and added: “In my opinion, some people do not realize the risks that may result from not having cleaners, including environmental pollution and the spread of diseases and epidemics. I think that the ignorance of these risks is the main reason for people choosing to disrespect them and their rights.”