JEDDAH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) announced on Saturday that it is going to ban work under the sun — from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. — for three months, citing a ministerial decision. The ban, which covers all private sector companies and establishments, comes into force on June 15 (Tuesday) and will continue until Sept. 15, 2021. The ministry said the decision aims to preserve the safety and health of workers and employees in the private sector and is in line with its commitment to provide them a healthy and safe work environment and spare them from any risks and harm as part of the safety and occupational health considerations. The ministerial decision stipulates that it is not permissible to make an employee work in the open under direct sunlight from 12:00 noon till 3:00 in the evening during the period between June 15 and Sept. 15 of each calendar year. The decision excludes workers in the oil and gas companies, as well as emergency maintenance workers, provided necessary measures are taken to protect them from the harms of direct sunlight. The ministry calls upon employers to organize work hours and implement what is stipulated in this decision, as the ministry strives to provide a work environment that is safe from various occupational hazards. The ministry also aims to raise the level of efficiency and means of prevention so as to reduce occupational injuries and diseases and protect workers from accidents, which will be reflected in improving and increasing the production level. The ministry added that it is also possible to inquire and submit a complaint about the violation of the decision via the customer service phone number (19911) or through the "Together for Monitoring" portal https://rasd.ma3an.gov.sa.
