DAMMAM — The Ministry of Labor and Social Development has not instructed workers to refrain from working in extreme weather currently gripping the Kingdom. A source said the Ministry of Labor and Social Development has not reacted to the dusty weather conditions. "The ministry had previously granted workers the right to refrain from work during extreme heat. However, it has not issued any official statement on its stance on the extreme weather currently gripping the country. Working under such weather could harm the health of the workers," said the source. The source added that the ministry had been very clear on regulations about work in extremely hot weather. "The labor law clearly states that workers have the right to refrain from work if they are faced with any factors detrimental to their health and wellbeing. The weather in Dammam was so severe that schools in the region were suspended. Yet, no authority took a stand to protect the health and safety of workers," said the source. Meanwhile, the General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Social Services Directorate distributed on Monday medical masks to the visitors of the Grand Mosque. Director of social services at the presidency Misfir Asiri said the initiative came in response to demands by the worshippers. The presidency's priority is to ensure the safety and comfort of the visitors to the holy mosques. Okaz/Saudi Gazette contacted the Ministry of Labor's spokesman Khaled Aba Alkhail for his comments on the issue, but he did not respond saying he was busy with other matters.
