A NATIONWIDE awareness campaign will be launched in collaboration with expatriate associations as authorities prepare to roll out the midday summer work ban from July 1.
The Labour and Social Development Ministry is taking the lead to effectively implement the ban on all outdoor work between midday and 4pm during July and August.
Twenty-five inspectors will be out in the field making sure there are no violations of the clamp which has been in force since 2007 aimed at protecting workers from potentially fatal heat-related medical conditions.
However, employees working under small businesses with no valid commercial registration (CR) and domestic workers pose major challenges, said Labour and Social Development Ministry occupational safety head Ahmed Al Hayki.
“We are happy that each year we are getting better in terms of companies following the law,” he told the GDN yesterday.
“The percentage of adherence has always been close to 99 per cent.
“This year, as always, we will be hosting a major event at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam where Under-Secretary Sabah Al Doseri will explain the law, its need and benefits to employees, employers and diplomats of labour-sending countries.
“We will also be sending out letters to embassies, mainly those of the labour-sending countries, and expat associations to ensure a large participation.
“Our labour inspection team of 25 experienced personnel is all set to do its duty.”
The GDN reported earlier this year that illegal hiring of workers and employing free-visa labourers are major challenges facing authorities.
These workers added to accidents at worksites, and are often among those seen flouting the law, noted Mr Al Hayki.
“All big companies follow the law – none of their workers are seen working during the ban and they ensure the facilities on the site as stipulated by the law.
“Violations or accidents are reported from smaller businesses, mainly those without a valid CR.
“Another category is the domestic workers inside houses who are also covered under the law but out of reach as we cannot enter private residences to check.”
Meanwhile, men working on the roads under the scorching summer sun yesterday welcomed a call to extend the midday ban in Bahrain to three months.
A June heatwave has seen an increase in the number of people requiring medical attention for climate-related ailments, with temperatures reaching a high of 43C over the weekend.
The GDN reported on Monday that the Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS) had also urged an extension of the ban.
“We are happy with our company – we are paid on time, given good accommodation and food, and all our needs are taken care of,” said machine operator Amiruddin Nasir Ahmed.
“Yes it is very hot, but 20 to 24 years ago it used to be hotter still. People used to collapse (because of the heat).
“Now, we have got used to it – we have to do our work (despite the heat).
“If it (the summer midday ban) is three months it is very good,” said the Indian who has been with the same company for 24 years.
The men said they were ready to work earlier in the mornings and late in the night to cover up for the four-hour mandatory break.
Other GCC countries implement a three-month ban, starting on June 1 in Oman and Kuwait, and on June 15 in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
Activists in Bahrain have previously lobbied to extend the ban so that it includes September.
However, the government has been reluctant because of its implications for the private sector – which has suffered from the impacts of a global economic crisis, widespread unrest in 2011 and now rising costs of doing business due to austerity measures imposed by authorities.
Senior members of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) board last year offered support for the idea.
The GDN reported in June last year that BCCI first deputy Khalid Najibi and vice-treasurer Waleed Kanoo who backed an extension of the ban had agreed to discuss the proposal with the team.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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