RIYADH – The Ministry of Labor and Social Development announced on Sunday that a three-month midday outdoor work ban will come into force from Saturday, June 15. Under the ban, the private sector companies and establishments are not allowed to let their employees work under the sun from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. during the three-month period ending on Sept. 15. Khaled Abal Khail, spokesman of the ministry, said all employers have been instructed to ensure their workers stay out of sun for three hours during the period, the Saudi Press Agency reported. He said the ministry is keen on protecting the safety and health of workers in the private sector and providing them a secure working environment, away for exposure to any health hazards. According to Abal Khail, there will be exemption for outdoor work ban in some regions of the Kingdom in view of low temperatures in those areas. "The branches of the ministry are coordinating with the governorates of those regions with regard to taking a decision whether to ban work under sun or not," he said adding that the work ban will not be applicable to workers of oil and gas companies or those engaged in emergency maintenance works. Abal Khail urged Saudi citizens and expatriates to contact the ministry's customer service No.19911 or visit the ‘Together with Rasd' portal (https://rasd.ma3an.gov.sa) for any queries or lodging of complaints about any violations.
