Amal Al-Sibai
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — The Ministry of Labor has reissued a directive that bans all organizations and companies in both the government and private sector from having employees perform outdoor jobs between 12 noon and 3 P.M. The ban will commence on July 1st and extend until the last day of August, a period when temperatures are expected to reach as high as 51 degrees Celsius during midday. The law aims to protect the health of sanitation workers, construction men, landscapers, and all workers whose jobs involve outdoor work.
“We call on all employers to adhere to this law which prohibits outdoor work during midday and is clearly stated under articles 98, 99, and 100 of the Labor Law. The only exceptions are for the petroleum and natural gas industry, and for emergency maintenance work, while taking precautionary measures that shield the workforce from the heat of the sun,” said Hattab Al-Anzi, media spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor.
“Inspectors from the Ministry of Labor will be monitoring construction sites throughout the Kingdom’s cities to enforce this law and violators will be punished,” added Al-Anzi.
Recently, a team of school age volunteers found out for themselves the extent of physical hardships that sanitation workers endure in Jeddah. The Saudi Environmental Society (SENS) arranged for the young volunteers to meet up with the municipality’s sanitation workers in a local park to lend a helping hand in cleaning up and picking up litter discarded on the grass and in play areas. SENS distributed gloves, garbage bags, and bottles of cold water to the volunteers and briefly educated them on the negative environmental impacts of littering.
“After helping to clean up, I realized what an important and great job these workers are doing, and we often take these men for granted. The workers are responsible for keeping our streets, parks, neighborhoods, and Corniche clean and they deserve our help, appreciation and respect,” said Basel Al-Subei, a 7th grader.
The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) predicts soaring temperatures this summer, with a record high in Dammam of 51 degrees, 49.7 degrees in Makkah, 49 degrees in Al-Madinah, 48 degrees in Riyadh, and 46 degrees in Jeddah.
Experts say heat stroke is a serious illness and should not be taken lightly. Heat stroke can cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Although children and the elderly above 50 years of age are at higher risk, it can strike even healthy young men if they are exposed to the sun for long hours while performing rigorous physical activity.
Symptoms of the onset of heatstroke include:
If you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, immediately seek medical attention or take the victim to the nearest hospital. While waiting for paramedics to arrive you can try these steps to cool the patient’s body. Move the person to an air-conditioned room or under a shady area. Use a fan over the patient while wetting his/her skin with cool water. Apply ice packs to the patient’s armpits, neck, and back because cooling these areas may reduce the body’s temperature.
