The Ministry of Labor has prohibited working in sun-exposed conditions from midday to 3 P.M. during the months of July and August. The new regulations, which come into effect in 2011, exempt oil and gas company staff and emergency maintenance workers, while stipulating that they must adhere to procedures governing protection from sunlight. The Ministry of Labor reiterated Article 236 of the Labor Law which penalizes violations with “a fine of between SR3,000 and SR10, 000 and/or closure of the facility for a minimum of 30 days – or permanently”. According to Deputy Minister of Labor Abdul Wahed Al-Humaid, the decision complies with international labor standards on the protection of workers and the provision of a healthy and safe professional working environment. “Through the move the ministry wishes to implement the Labor Law articles governing health and safety,” Al-Humaid said. “The ministry has given companies the period of a year before its introduction so they can prepare ahead, and we hope employers comply with the decision and recognize its economic, social and humanitarian importance.”
