Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The three-month midday work ban under the sun for all private sector companies and establishments comes to an end in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Sept. 15. This was announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

The ministry implemented, in coordination with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, the outdoor work ban from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm during the last three month-period starting from June 15, 2024. This decision comes as a result of the keenness of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health to ensure the safety and health of private sector workers, and to provide a safe and healthy work environment for them, in accordance with occupational safety and health requirements.

The rate of compliance of establishments with the decision to ban work under direct sunlight this year reached 94.6 percent, according to the ministry sources. During the implementation period, the ministry, in coordination with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, instructed employers to organize working hours and adhere to the provisions of the decision to reduce occupational injuries and diseases.

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health also worked to publish media awareness campaigns on the importance of implementing the decision. The ministry published on its website the Procedural Guide for occupational safety and health to prevent the effects of sun exposure and heat exhaustion.