Bahrain extends summer outdoor work ban from two to three months and steps up workplace inspections
Bahrain will stretch its midday outdoor work ban to cover three months, from 15 June to 15 September each year, starting in 2025.
The move is aimed at shielding workers from heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
Alongside this, the Ministry of Labour is stepping up its inspection efforts across work sites and strengthening the role of safety and health supervisors.
His Excellency Mr Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, said the Ministry was determined to lessen workplace hazards by pushing for safer machines, insisting on the use of protective gear, and encouraging sound working practices across all sectors.
Drive
Speaking ahead of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, marked each year on 28 April, Khalaf pointed to Bahrain's drive to shape stronger labour laws, raise standards of workplace health and safety, and build a lasting culture of care among workers and employers alike.
He stressed that sound health and safety measures are good for business.
They help workers to become more productive and give firms the footing they need to grow and flourish.
Backbone
Workers, he added, remain the backbone of Bahrain's economy and their wellbeing must always be at the heart of any development.
Beyond inspection and enforcement, Khalaf said the Ministry is working to grow the number of skilled Bahrainis trained in workplace safety.
This will ensure that firms have access to local expertise to guide their practices.
He called on employers to stay true to the midday work ban by adjusting working hours during the summer months.
Seasonal illnesses This would help stave off heat exhaustion, sunstroke and other seasonal illnesses.
The Minister also praised the strong record of compliance shown by businesses over the past years.
The Ministry, he added, will continue its efforts to work hand in hand with other agencies to make workplaces across the kingdom safer for all.
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