Saudi HR ministry bans work under the sun from June 15
A ministerial decision by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development prohibiting work under the sun will be implemented in all private sector establishments on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, from 12 noon to 3 pm, and work will continue until Thursday, 19 Safar 1444 AH, or September 15, 2022.
Employers are urged to restrict working hours and to apply the decision to decrease occupational injuries and diseases while also improving and increasing production, according to the Ministry.
Any violations of the ministry’s decision to prohibit work in the sun can be reported by contacting the unified customer service number (19911) or using the ministry’s mobile app.
The Ministry has also released a (Procedural Guide for Occupational Safety and Health to Prevent the Effects of Sunlight and Heat Stress) on its website.
This decision stems from the fact that the Ministry has decided to protect the safety and health of private-sector workers, as well as to provide a safe work environment for workers, and avoid exposing them to health risks, following occupational safety and health regulations.
The ban comes based on the decision of the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, to compel establishments to work on the procedural manual for occupational safety and health.
Workers may experience an uncomfortable and dangerous work environment as a result of their exposure to sunlight and heat stress, which may put their health at risk.
Hundreds of violators of the Ministry of Human Resources’ decision to work under the sun were arrested last year, and the system stipulates that violating facilities be punished with a fine of no less than SAR 3000 and no more than SAR 10,000 for each violation, or by closing the facility for a period not exceeding 30 days, or by closing it permanently.
It is permissible to combine the fine and closure while stopping the source of danger.
Exceptions will be made for workers working in oil and gas companies, as well as maintenance workers for emergency cases, provided that the necessary measures are taken to protect them from sun damage, except for some governorates in some regions of the Kingdom.
