Workers in Bahrain call for early implementation of outdoor work ban as temperature soars
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Report by Zahra Ayaz
As Bahrain anticipates facing the hottest month of the year in June, the push to extend the ban on outdoor work is gathering popularity.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development enforces a two-month summer work ban, starting in July each year, to protect workers from the sweltering heat.
Throughout July and August, this rule prohibits outdoor work between noon and 4 pm.
Several workers have yet to advocate that the prohibition be extended to cover June as well.
They claim to have regular headaches and sickness after working morning hours outdoors and instead prefer nighttime shifts.
Lyn Le Altarejos, Director of Foreign Workers' Rights at Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS), emphasised the dangers of working outside in these hot and humid settings, particularly for construction workers.
She stated that working in such harsh temperatures puts workers at risk of heat stroke, skin cancer, sunburn, and heat fatigue.
Altarejos stressed that strenuous physical activity substantially increases the risk of sunstroke or heat stroke. Recognising workers as the backbone of Bahrain's economy, Altarejos emphasised the critical need to protect their health.
She indicated that allowing this minor courtesy for workers would not have a negative impact on firms if employers planned effectively.
Altarejos also stated that companies are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) to safeguard employees from heat-related dangers.
The Ministry of Labour has already adopted steps that demonstrate Bahrain's dedication to providing a secure and safe working environment for its employees, establishing the Kingdom as a leader in this respect.
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