A two-month ban on outdoor work under scorching sun between noon and 4pm will be enforced on July 1 in Bahrain.

Companies, particularly construction firms, were urged to comply with the measure.

'Companies and businesses flouting the ban will be referred to the Public Prosecution,' Labour Ministry assistant undersecretary for labour affairs Sabah Salem Al Dosary said.

He warned that contractors who violate the ban would be fined from BD50 to BD300 for each worker exposed to the heat.

'We urged the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry to supply us with a list of all construction sites across Bahrain for labour inspectors to monitor,' he said.

An awareness campaign will also be launched in co-operation with government departments to ensure the ban.

Multilingual leaflets and flyers will also be distributed featuring health tips on heat exhaustion, warning signs and treatment.

'The ban, which was first enforced in 2007, reflects Bahrain's resolve to protect the rights of expatriate workers in the private sector,' he said.

The ban was announced to enhance productivity, protect the health of thousands of labourers at construction sites and avert traffic congestions at peak hours.-TradeArabia News Service