Bahrain

Bahrain: Workers Urge Early Implementation of Outdoor Work Ban as Temperature Soars

The call to extend the ban on outdoor work is gaining traction in the Kingdom, as Bahrain anticipates the hottest month of the year in June. Normally, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development imposes a two-month summer work ban starting in July, aiming to safeguard workers from the blistering heat. This ban restricts outdoor work between midday and 4 pm throughout July and August.

However, numerous workers when interviewed have urged for an extension of the ban to include June as well. They claim to experience frequent headaches and illness currently after working the morning shifts outdoors, expressing a preference for evening shifts instead.

Lyn Le Altarejos, the Director of Foreign Workers’ Rights at the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS), highlighted the inadvisability of working outside in these sweltering and humid conditions, particularly for construction workers. She pointed out that such extreme conditions will make workers susceptible to heat stroke, skin cancer, sunburn, and heat exhaustion.

Altarejos emphasised that heavy physical work will significantly increase the likelihood of sunstroke or heat stroke. Recognising the workers as the backbone of Bahrain’s economy, Altarejos stressed the utmost importance of safeguarding their health. She suggested that accommodating this small favour for workers would not adversely impact businesses, provided that employers plan accordingly.

Altarejos also pointed out that employers are duty-bound, as per the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), to protect workers from heat-related hazards. The Ministry of Labour has already implemented initiatives that solidify Bahrain’s commitment to ensuring a secure and safe work environment for workers, establishing the Kingdom as a leader in this regard.

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News of Bahrain

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