Implementation of the decision to ban work under direct sunlight begins

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health announced the start of implementing the decision to prohibit working under direct sunlight for all private sector establishments, starting from Sunday, 19 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH, corresponding to June 15, 2025, until Sunday, 23 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to September 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This decision aims to protect the safety and health of workers, spare them potential health risks, and provide a healthy and safe work environment in accordance with international occupational safety and health standards.

The ministry called on employers to organize working hours and adhere to the requirements of this decision, in order to contribute to providing a safe work environment free from various risks, and to enhance the efficiency and means of prevention to reduce occupational injuries and diseases resulting from direct exposure to sunlight, which positively reflects on increasing productivity.

The ministry published on its website the “Occupational Safety and Health Procedural Guide for Preventing the Effects of Sun Exposure and Heat Stress” and the “Guidance Manual for Preventing the Effects of Working in Hot Environments,” with the aim of informing business owners and enabling them to implement its contents. Violations related to the prohibition of working under sunlight can be reported through the ministry’s unified number (19911) or via the ministry’s mobile application available on smartphones.