End of the Ban Work Under Direct Sunlight Implementation Period
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Announce Conclusion of the 2026 Ban Work Under Direct Sunlight Implementation Period
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in coordination with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, announced the conclusion of the designated implementation period for the 2026 Ban Work Under Direct Sunlight decision. The period ran from June 15 to September 15, 2026, between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and applied to private-sector establishments.
The decision was implemented as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of workers’ health and safety and mitigate occupational safety and health risks arising from direct exposure to sunlight and high temperatures. It also contributes to creating safe and healthy work environments and reinforcing the principles of prevention and occupational safety and health across various sectors.
Throughout the implementation period, coordinated inspection and awareness-raising activities were carried out. The Ministry conducted (29945) inspection visits across the Kingdom, while the compliance rate among establishments reached 95%. A total of (1771) violations were recorded, and (41) reports related to the implementation of the decision were addressed.
In parallel with the inspection efforts, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health carried out a range of awareness activities and produced educational materials aimed at increasing workers’ awareness of the risks associated with sun exposure and heat stress and promoting preventive practices among employers and workers. These efforts included multilingual awareness content, educational workshops and sessions, and the use of digital and media platforms to reach various target groups.
During the implementation period, the campaign published more than (168) awareness and communication materials in (7) languages and reached more than (4,000) beneficiaries through its accompanying awareness programs and activities.
The results achieved reflect growing awareness of the importance of complying with occupational safety and health requirements, as well as the effective coordination of regulatory, inspection, and awareness-raising efforts. They also demonstrate the cooperation of private-sector establishments and workers in supporting the implementation of the decision and promoting safe work environments.
The Ministry and the Council that the conclusion of the designated implementation period for the Ban Work Under Direct Sunlight decision does not mean that responsibility for preventing heat-stress risks has ended. They stressed the importance of establishments continuing to assess occupational risks and adopt appropriate preventive measures and controls to safeguard workers’ health and safety throughout the year.
The Ministry and the Council also expressed their appreciation for the commitment of private-sector establishments and the cooperation of workers and all relevant stakeholders throughout the implementation period. They reaffirmed that efforts would continue to promote a culture of prevention, improve compliance levels, and establish occupational safety and health as a fundamental pillar of workplace quality and sustainability.
