The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health have announced the conclusion of a three-month prohibition on outdoor work in direct sunlight for employees across all institutions. The ban was in effect from June 15 (9/12/1445 AH) to September 15 (12/3/1446 AH) in accordance with the ministerial decision dated 15/7/1435 AH. This decision reflects the ministry and council's commitment to safeguarding the safety and well-being of workers and ensuring a secure and healthy work environment in line with occupational safety and health standards. This year, the compliance rate among institutions regarding the ban reached 94.6%. Throughout the enforcement period, the ministry and council collaborated to guide employers in scheduling work hours and adhering to the directive, aiming to minimize occupational injuries and illnesses. Additionally, the council conducted awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of complying with the decision and circulated a procedural manual for occupational safety and well-being to mitigate the impacts of sun exposure and heat stress. The council also developed a guide for working under high temperatures and sunlight, which is available on its official website. Both the ministry and the council are actively enhancing occupational safety and well-being in the Kingdom, fostering a distinguished work environment and an appealing labor market by implementing top-tier local and international standards, along with prominent global practices in this domain. Source: Saudi Press Agency