The 2026 midday work ban has ended, but heat risk on site has not. Practical steps for contractors working through Jeddah's warm months.
Saudi Arabia's 2026 ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight applied to all private-sector establishments from 15 June to 15 September, between 12pm and 3pm. It was implemented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and the ministry has since announced that this year's ban has concluded.
The ban sets a minimum, not a complete heat plan. The ministry's guidance also asks employers to raise workers' awareness of heat stress, monitor their physical condition during periods of high temperature, and involve occupational safety and health officers.
Heat does not end on 15 September
In a coastal city like Jeddah, high humidity can keep conditions demanding after the ban period ends, especially for heavy work, work at height and work inside enclosed structures. A site that relaxes its controls on 16 September is taking a risk with its people.
Practical controls that work
- Plan heavy and exposed tasks for the cooler hours of the day.
- Provide shaded rest areas and easy access to drinking water across the site.
- Give new arrivals time to adjust to the heat before full workloads.
- Use daily toolbox talks to remind teams of the signs of heat stress and what to do.
- Make sure supervisors and first aiders know the emergency procedure and can act quickly.
Build it into the HSE plan
Heat management works best when it is written into the site HSE plan before mobilization, with clear responsibilities and daily checks. Emcor's HSE services cover site safety plans, risk assessments, safety training and daily supervision, so controls like these are in place from the first day on site.
