Work ban ends with 99.7pc compliance

COMPANIES in Bahrain were yesterday praised for complying with the annual outdoor summer work ban.

There was 99.7 per cent compliance with the ban which makes it illegal for companies to employ workers on outdoor sites between midday and 4pm.

The clamp, which runs from July 1 to August 31, is based on a 2007 law aimed at preventing heat-related illness among labourers in the scorching summer heat.

As the ban ended yesterday, labour inspectors had conducted 13,658 field visits and found 30 violations involving 42 workers – reported in the GDN last Friday.

The number of visits marked an increase from 11,235 last year and 10,341 in 2018, according to a statement by the Labour and Social Development Ministry yesterday.

Employers who flouted the ban were referred to the Public Prosecution and face up to three months behind bars and fines of BD500 to BD1,000 for each employee caught working outside.

“There has been 99.7pc compliance with the summer work ban this year which reaffirms that Bahrain is moving in enhancing the working environment and implementing the highest safety standards at different construction sites,” said Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan in the statement.

“This is done to ensure the health and safety of workers under different circumstances while developing occupational health and safety legislations in line with emerging worksite dangers to limit accidents and injuries.

“The rate of compliance with the law has increased from previous years which reflects the high levels of execution and application by establishments and companies working in Bahrain.

“This decision carries several humanitarian and rights elements as well as economical benefits gained by business owners through reprogramming their working hours without impacting productivity which also reduces accidents and injuries.”

The minister highlighted that firms also provided the necessary equipment required to prevent heat exhaustion and heat strokes during the summer.

He also underlined the importance of adhering to the law which is in line with international working standards and also encourages more legislation to protect the work environment from economic dangers caused by worksite accidents.

“This also reflects the distinguished global position that Bahrain has achieved in the field of human rights, especially those of workers who contribute to the process of construction and development,” added Mr Humaidan.

“This makes Bahrain a pioneer in the field of safeguarding the rights of workers by ensuring safe and secure working environment that is free of workplace accidents and diseases.”

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/851113/Work-ban-ends-with-997pc-compliance