PLANS are underway to launch a mobile phone application to help people communicate with labour ministry officials in an effective manner, it has been revealed.
Also in the pipeline is an app that can be used to register labour complaints.
The plans are part of the Labour and Social Development Ministry’s initiatives to enhance its functioning in relation to its interaction with the public.
“We have already launched smart inspection procedures to meet international safety standards,” said assistant under-secretary Ahmed Al Haiki.
“The system will be fully operational by the end of the year; we currently have 25 inspectors which is not enough but we are aware of our limitations and the smart inspection procedures will partially address this issue.
“Instead of sending inspectors we will have a digital system to monitor the companies on their safety and health standards.
“The employers will also be able to check on their employees’ visa status, health checks, insurance payments, among other things.
“This will save time for both sides and also help in preserving digital records for future reference.
“Sooner or later we are thinking of launching mobile apps for communications with the ministry and in the longer run we even hope to introduce mobile apps to register complaints.
“This will save us time, will improve efficiency and assure transparency.”
The GDN reported last month on calls for “smart labour inspections” in Bahrain with officers granted more powers to do their jobs effectively.
In the region, the UAE introduced advanced tools for smart labour inspections last year, while Bangladesh’s Labour Inspection Management Application officially launched the system in 2018.
Mr Al Haiki noted that all the initiatives were part of the ministry’s plans to ensure safe working conditions in Bahrain.
Also included are plans for more awareness campaigns to spread safety culture at the work place, aimed at reducing worksite incidents.
“Bahrain has only one labour law for both Bahrainis and others.
“Safety at the workplace is a priority and we will be doing more awareness-oriented training programmes to promote this culture.
“We aim to improve our relations with embassies and non-governmental organisations and also to conduct a series of workshops and interactive sessions in co-operation with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority and the immigration officials,” he said.
Mr Al Haiki had earlier told the GDN that among the challenges faced by the ministry were an increasing number of companies and the low number of labour inspectors, while others being the language barrier and illegal workers.
The GDN previously reported that almost 80 per cent of worksite incidents in Bahrain go unnoticed due to the country’s labour market lacking the “safety culture”.
Earlier this month, official statistics revealed that the number of worksite accidents in Bahrain registered a drop last year, as a result of the ministry’s proactive strategies.
A total of 304 accidents were reported compared to 367 in 2018, reflecting a 21 per cent fall. Fatalities, too, posted a drop, of almost 30pc, from 21 in 2018 to 16 last year.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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