Summer work ban ‘a resounding success’

The summer work ban initiated by the Labour Ministry to ensure the safety of labourers has been a big success with 99.5 per cent of the companies in the Kingdom complying with it, it emerged. The ban ended on Saturday and Labour Ministry officials said it was a resounding success.

The officials said almost all companies inspected by the ministry had complied with the work ban. “Labour and Social Development Minister, Jameel Humaidan, has announced that the rate of compliance with the summer afternoon outdoor work ban has reached 99.5pc, which reflects the commitment to Edict 3/2013, given its humanitarian and economic dimensions, and ultimate goal of protecting workers from the dangers of working during difficult summer weather conditions,” the ministry said in a statement.

According to an official from the ministry, 56 violations were found. “The inspection team has made over 10,000 visits to worksites. Fifty-six violations were found, which affected nearly 150 workers,” the official said. Mr Humaidan praised the compliance from the part of majority of establishments and companies with the ban, stressing the government’s keenness on supporting all measures aimed at protecting workers and ensuring their safety at various worksites out of its interest in protecting human rights.

The minister added that the growing rate of compliance with the edict, which prohibits labourers to work from noon to 4pm, over the past years reflects the self-conviction of employers with regard to the goals of the ban. He hailed the co-operation of the embassies of labour-supplying countries in raising the awareness of their nationals on the content of the edict, and their participation in the events organised by the Labour and Social Development Ministry to spread the culture of professional safety, especially regarding summer diseases.

The minister paid tribute to the relevant organisations and trade unions in highlighting the positive aspects of the ban aiming primarily to ensure workers’ safety. The ban period featured intensive awareness-raising campaigns, workshops and distribution of leaflets and posters aimed at informing workers about the dangers of working under scorching summer heat. Under Edict 3/2013, a jail term not exceeding three months, and/or a BD500-1,000 fine, is the penalty inflicted on violators.

The firms, which violated the ban, has been referred for legal action. There have been calls for extending the work ban to September as well because of the expected heatwave during the month. The temperatures during this month are expected to remain high with forecasts suggesting that the temperature in the next two weeks will continue to cross 40C. Bahrain Health and Safety Society have been campaigning for the work ban to be put in place from June 15 until September 15, from 12pm to 3pm.

The society pointed out that there have been increased instances of heat-waves in recent years while temperatures have become much higher and weather more humid, necessitating a change in the work ban plan. Other countries in the GCC have already implemented a three-month work ban extending from June to September.