The mandatory midday break for laborers who work in the sun during summer will begin on July 1, according to the Ministry of Labor. The announcement came amid mounting calls to advance the date due to sizzling heat in most parts of the Kingdom. “We’ll resume implementing the ban issued by the Cabinet two years ago to prevent work under the sun from noon to 3 p.m.,” the ministry said, adding that those who violate the ban would face punitive action. The ministry said employees of oil and gas companies as well as emergency maintenance workers had been exempted from the rule. It, however, cautioned that precautionary measures should be taken for their protection. Saudi nationals and expatriates have emphasized the need for applying the midday work ban earlier than planned. “I have seen the mercury reaching 51 on Tuesday. Authorities should take this matter into consideration seriously in order to protect the health of people working under the sun” Hassan Hasainar, an engineer, told Arab News. Abdul Aziz Thankayathil of Indian School Parents Forum called upon schools to take necessary measures to protect children. “It would be better they cancel classes of KG sections during this extreme hot season for the benefit of children,” he added. In a related development, the Saudi Electric Company said it is prepared to handle any power failures caused by high temperatures and other factors this summer. According to Article 236 of the Labor Law, individuals and companies that violate the midday work ban would be fined not less than SR 3,000 and not more than SR 10,000 per violation. “Violating firms will be closed either for not more than 30 days or once and for all,” the ministry warned, adding that it may also slap both fine and closure together. The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment said heat waves would hit western regions of Makkah, Madinah and Red Sea coastal cities today. The PME indicated that Saudi cities are expected to record higher degrees during this summer season, reaching 50 degrees Celsius and beyond.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 06:59:31 +0000
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