Afternoon work ban starts today

TDT | Manama

The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has announced that the annual ban on afternoon work in open spaces throughout Bahrain will start today. To protect workers from occupational diseases and injuries, especially during the extreme summer climate, the ban will last throughout July and August and prohibits work from noon until 4:00 pm.

The ministry stressed that the correct implementation of the decision will be closely monitored around the Kingdom. Around 30,000 companies and establishments are included in the list to be monitored. To report violations, public can call on the hotline (17873648) number and the ministry’s inspection teams will immediately take the needed action.

Violators will face imprisonment for up to three months and fines of at least BD 500. Labour Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan stressed the importance of compliance with the decision, pointing out that the commitment rate in previous years was exemplary with at least 98per cent.

He also emphasized the need to provide workers with the best work equipment to protect them from the hot and humid weather. The ministry called on employers, work site supervisors, and occupational safety and health engineers to train workers in first aid, to provide health care and adequate drinking water to protect workers from heat stress.