Labour inspectors will be out in force in Bahrain to ensure companies abide by a nationwide ban on outdoor work during the hottest hours of the summer.

People will not be allowed to work outdoors between noon and 4pm, starting today until the end of August, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Violators of the summer work ban will face legal action including up to three months in prison and fines between BD500 ($1,317) and BD1,000 for each worker found working outdoors by inspectors.

“We have a team of 40 inspectors who will be out checking construction sites and open work areas to ensure nobody is working during the ban hours,” Labour Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary Sabah Al Dossary told the GDN.

“A total of 20 billboards have been displayed across all major highways, which announce the ban.

“A major seminar which involved diplomats, civil society representatives, businessmen, community members and workers was held last week which was attended by around 2,000 people.

“Pamphlets in various languages have also been distributed at companies and work sites.

“We have also initiated a multi-language educational campaign to inform employers and workers about the facts of the ban.”

The GDN reported last month that campaigners urged authorities to extend the work ban, particularly with the restriction coinciding with Ramadan.

With temperatures already hitting 40C, activists urged to start the midday ban from mid-June, and if possible extend it until mid-September.

However, Al Dossary stressed the ban would not be extended.

“Especially for employees working in sites far away and in open land, there should be a shade for them to rest,” he added.  

“With summer and Ramadan coinciding, there should also be facilities for non-Muslims to have their food or to drink water in private.”

The summer work ban was implemented in 2007, following a Cabinet decision, as part of government efforts to promote occupational safety and health, and to preserve the lives of workers from the risks of summer diseases in various work sites. - TradeArabia News Service