Another 26 companies face legal action for violating Bahrain’s summer outdoor work ban.

They were among 2,461 organisations inspected by Labour Ministry officials within the last nine days, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It brings the total number of companies caught violating the rule since July 1 to 51, with inspectors documenting 133 people working outside during prohibited times.

Bahrain bans all outdoor work between midday and 4pm during July and August to protect the workforce from potentially fatal heat-related medical conditions.

“During the last nine days, there were 26 more violations that were recorded which involved 62 construction site workers,” Labour Ministry under-secretary Sabah Al Dossary told the GDN yesterday.

“Most of these violations were from sites in Manama, Seef and Isa Town and involved new workers under newly-registered companies.

“The employees were unaware of the ban, whereas the employers knew about it so they are liable to face legal action.

“The workers, who were either new or illiterate, were informed about the summer work ban by labour inspectors.”

However, he said the overwhelming majority of companies continued to adhere to the ban.

“It is good to see the compliance percentage sticking to 98.5 at the end of two weeks, which is encouraging,” added Al Dossary.

“We have had similar statistics during recent years, which is achieved only because of co-operation from private sector businesses.”

Twenty-five companies were caught violating the ban during the first four days.

Penalties for violating the work ban include fines ranging from BD500 to BD1,000 ($1,325 to $2,650) , which also applies to employers of domestic staff.

“We haven’t received any domestic worker complaints yet, except for one who was working on a new house which is being constructed,” said Al Dossary.

He also reiterated that companies were required to ensure non-Muslim staff have discreet access to refreshments during the day in Ramadan, particularly those who risk dehydration by working outdoors in high temperatures.

People are banned from eating and drinking in public during daylight hours in Bahrain.

Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan visited worksites on Sunday to ensure companies were adhering to the summer work restrictions. - TradeArabia News Service