Bahrain Ministry of Labor Urges Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Stress

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The Ministry of Labor has urged all employers to take necessary measures to protect workers, especially those working outdoors, from the risks of heat stress, which rise sharply during the summer months. The ministry warned that untreated heat-related conditions could lead to serious health problems, and in severe cases, even death.

In a new instructional video shared on its official platforms, the ministry highlighted the dangers of direct exposure to high temperatures. Workers may suffer from heat exhaustion, sunstroke, dehydration, and skin burns, as well as long-term illnesses affecting the heart and kidneys. Early warning signs such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, cold sweats, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite must be recognized promptly, the ministry said. Advanced cases could result in loss of consciousness or seizures, requiring immediate emergency assistance by calling 999.

Bahrain has implemented strict preventive measures to minimize these risks. Work in open outdoor areas is prohibited between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM from June 15 to September 15 each year, according to Ministerial Decision No. 11 of 2025. These rules complement Decision No. 9 of 2014 on physical hazard prevention. Employers who violate these regulations may face up to three months in prison and fines ranging from 500 to 1,000 Bahraini Dinars.

The Ministry of Labor outlined key precautions employers must follow, including providing shaded areas and cooling systems, supplying cold drinking water, encouraging workers to drink at least one cup every 15–20 minutes, scheduling regular breaks, and offering electrolyte-rich drinks to replace lost fluids. Workers should wear loose, lightweight clothing, participate in awareness sessions, and have designated thermal safety contact points at work sites to monitor health closely.

The ministry emphasized that protecting workers from extreme heat not only ensures their health and safety but also boosts productivity and fosters a stable, safe working environment.