Workplace Safety & Heat Protections in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Saudi Arabia enforces one of the strictest outdoor work bans in the Gulf, backed by significant fines:
- Midday outdoor work ban: From 15 June to 15 September, all outdoor work is prohibited between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. This is enforced through surprise MHRSD inspections at construction sites, oil and gas facilities, and other outdoor workplaces.
- Fines: Employers caught violating the ban face fines of up to SAR 10,000 per worker found working during banned hours.
- General safety: Employers must provide protective equipment, training, and safe conditions at no cost to the worker.
- Right to refuse: Workers can refuse dangerous work without retaliation — including refusing to work outdoors during banned hours.
- GOSI workplace injury: If you are injured on the job, GOSI covers all medical treatment, temporary disability payments (75% of salary), permanent disability compensation, and survivor benefits in case of death. This applies to both Saudi and expatriate workers registered with GOSI.
- Occupational diseases: The Labour Law lists recognized occupational diseases — if you develop one from your work, you are entitled to compensation through GOSI's occupational hazards branch.
When does it apply?
- You work outdoors in construction, agriculture, oil and gas, delivery, or any other exposed job during the summer ban period.
- General safety rules apply to all workers in all sectors.
- Both Saudi and expatriate workers are covered by GOSI for workplace injuries.
What to Do If Your Employer Forces Outdoor Work During Saudi Arabia's Midday Ban or Ignores Safety Rules
- Report unsafe conditions to your employer in writing and keep a copy.
- If forced to work outdoors during banned hours, report it to MHRSD by calling 19911 or through the MHRSD online portal.
- If injured at work, report it immediately — your employer must notify GOSI within 3 days and cover emergency treatment upfront.
- File a GOSI workplace injury claim through the GOSI portal (gosi.gov.sa) with medical documentation linking the injury to your work.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work outdoors during banned hours even if your employer pressures you — you are legally protected for refusing, and your employer faces SAR 10,000 fines per worker.
- Do not skip medical documentation for any workplace injury — GOSI claims require contemporaneous medical evidence.
- Do not remove or refuse to use safety equipment — the employer must provide it, and you must use it.
Common Questions
When does it apply — workplace safety & heat protections?
You work outdoors in construction, agriculture, oil and gas, delivery, or any other exposed job during the summer ban period.General safety rules apply to all workers in all sectors.Both Saudi and expatriate workers are covered by GOSI for workplace injuries.
What should I do if my employer is making me work outdoors during the banned hours or in unsafe conditions in Saudi Arabia?
Report unsafe conditions to your employer in writing and keep a copy.If forced to work outdoors during banned hours, report it to MHRSD by calling 19911 or through the MHRSD online portal.If injured at work, report it immediately — your employer must notify GOSI within 3 days and cover emergency treatment upfront.File a GOSI workplace injury claim through the GOSI portal (gosi.gov.sa) with medical documentation linking the injury to your work.
What should you NOT do — workplace safety & heat protections?
Do not work outdoors during banned hours even if your employer pressures you — you are legally protected for refusing, and your employer faces SAR 10,000 fines per worker.Do not skip medical documentation for any workplace injury — GOSI claims require contemporaneous medical evidence.Do not remove or refuse to use safety equipment — the employer must provide it, and you must use it.