Saudi Arabia announces 3-month Midday work ban under direct sunlight for Workers in the Private sector
Starting from Sunday, June 15, the private sector will be subject to a midday work prohibition under the direct sun, as announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia. Recommend: Mandatory fitness testing at workplace soon in Saudi Arabia
The work prohibition will be imposed by the ministry in cooperation with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health from 12 PM to 3 PM for three months, ending on September 15, 2025.
The ministry justified the move by saying it was necessary to protect private sector employees from harmful UV rays and ensure that they could not do their jobs under the direct sunlight.
In line with international occupational safety and health regulations, it also seeks to safeguard people from possible health hazards and offer a safe and healthy work environment.
The ministry urged businesses to establish regular work schedules and follow the rules set out in this ruling. This will help create a risk-free workplace by removing potential sources of harm and improving current safety procedures to reduce the risk of sun-related illnesses and injuries on the job, which in turn will boost output. Most Viewed: Saudization of 41 new professions
However, in some places in Saudi Arabia, when temperatures are low, there will be exemptions to the outdoor labor ban in direct sunlight. When deciding whether or not to implement a sun ban, the relevant branch of the Ministry of Human Resources will consult with the relevant regions.
People working in emergency maintenance or for oil and gas businesses are exempt from this ruling.
To protect workers from heat fatigue and sunburn, the ministry put out a Procedural Guide for Occupational Safety and Health on its website. It strongly encouraged everyone to report any violation of the work prohibition decision through the ministry's customer service phone number, 19911, or smartphone app. See Also: CV Upload service in Musaned for domestic workers
Saudi Arabia announces 3-month Midday work ban under direct sunlight for Workers in the Private sector