RIYADH — Labor inspectors on patrol have detected 1,526 violations amid the enforcement of the midday work ban when outdoor workers were found working under the hot sun during the period from June 15 to Aug. 18. Dr. Fahad Al-Owaidi, deputy minister for inspection and development of work environment at MLSD, said that inspection teams tracked down 1,253 establishments, which were reluctant to comply with the regulation implemented across various parts of the Kingdom. Referring to the ministerial decision that prohibits ‘allowing the employee to work under the direct sun from 12 noon to 3 p.m. during the period from 15th June to 15th September of every Gregorian calendar', the ministry stressed that it would keep a tight scrutiny on violators of this ban. Al-Owaidi stressed that the ministry would continue to carry out the enforcement of the ban to protect workers' safety and health in the private sector and provide a proper work environment as per the occupational safety and health requirements, ensuring it would serve all stakeholders' interest in this respect. According to the directive, oil and gas workers as well as emergency workers engaged in the maintenance sector are being exempted from the regulation, providing that measures are taken to prevent them against the hazards of scorching sun, Al-Owaidi said. Some regions of the Kingdom have opted out of the ban because of low temperatures as outdoor workers are not in urgent need to suspend work during the mentioned period, explained Al-Owaidi. Al-Owaidi said that the ministry has coordinated with some governorates in some regions of the Kingdom to regulate the ban in cities and rural areas based on their weather forecast, stressing that employers need to regulate working hours as per the directive. He said that the ministry is working hard to maintain a proper working environment against various occupational dangers as well as implement all measures to limit work injuries and accidents, leading to the improvement of production level. The ministry has called upon Saudi citizens and residents to file an inquiry or a complaint regarding the enforcement of ban by contacting the customer service No. 19911 or visiting the website at (http://rasd.ma3an.gov.sa/).
