Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi issued a decision approving the work environment conditions for the security guards in the Kingdom.

HR Minister's terms and conditions stipulate that security guards cannot work for more than five continuous hours without resting, praying, and eating. A break should not be less than half an hour in length.

To prevent the effects of sun exposure and heat stress, uniforms must also be provided to the security guards and they must follow the procedures outlined in the occupational safety and health manual.

In the private sector, the new rules and regulations will apply to establishments and companies that employ security guards directly or indirectly. Companies that hire private security guards or firms that directly employ security guards must also follow these terms and conditions.

Security Guards' work environments are divided into three categories by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

1. Internal environments, such as those inside commercial complexes and banks

2. Buildings that are exposed to violating climatic conditions are known as the external environment

3. Areas far from urbanization where companies are under construction.

A set of physical equipment is also specified in the new Terms and Conditions, which may vary from company to company depending on the work environment of the security guards.

- Al-Rajhi's decision aims to improve the quality of security guards' work, increase their productivity, enhance the sector's attractiveness, and increase the stability of security guard workers, the Saudi Gazette reports.

Upon publishing this decision on the Ministry's website, the Ministry called on all private sector establishments to comply with these regulations within 180 days. Aside from slapping penalties on companies that violate the ministry's regulations, the ministry said it would take all necessary measures to ensure compliance.

SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES