Outdoor midday work ban begins today in Bahrain

TDT | Manama                                                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Outdoor workers in Bahrain are prohibited from working in open spaces between noon and 4 p.m., the hottest hours of the day, starting today and until August 31. This arrangement helps minimise exposure to extreme temperatures and enables workers to carry out their duties in a safer environment.

The move also means whoever violates the ban will attract stringent penalties, including hefty fines and jail terms. Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan has assured a "zero-tolerance" policy with strict monitoring and enforcement measures.

The violators will face jail terms not exceeding three months, a fine between BD500 and BD1,000, or both. The decision, as stated by Humaidan, reflects the commitment of Bahrain to protect the rights of workers and provide a safe work environment in line with international labour standards.

The ban is already in force in other GCC nations that experience extremely high temperatures, though the timing may vary slightly.

In Bahrain, the move is as per Resolution No. 3 of 2013 to protect the well-being of workers and prevent heat-related illnesses and accidents caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat that often exceeds 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

During these two months, outdoor activities such as construction, maintenance work, and other labour-intensive tasks are prohibited to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related health issues.

Humaidan stressed the importance of ensuring occupational safety measures to ensure a productive and safe working environment for labourers working outdoors. The ministry’s occupational safety inspection teams will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance and impose penalties on companies that violate the ban or fail to provide adequate protections for their workers during the hot summer months.

They will ensure that establishments are committed to the decision, the minister said, urging employers to abide by the decision for the safety of their workers. The minister also called on companies and private institutions to reschedule working hours—early in the morning and commencing later in the day—without affecting the progress of the work.

Humaidan had earlier said that existing projects would not be affected by the ban and would be completed as scheduled.

Saudi, UAE

In other GCC nations, Saudi Arabia extended the noon work ban for three months, starting on June 15 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The UAE has also implemented the ban in mid-June, effective between 12:30 pm and 3 pm, with violators receiving fines between AED 5,000 (around BD513) per worker up to a maximum of AED 50,000 (BD5132).

Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman

Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman started implementing a three-month ban on June 1.