BAHRAIN’S annual ban on outdoor work during the scorching summer months will cover over 30,000 construction sites under strict health guidelines to combat the spread of Covid-19.
A total of 25 labour inspectors will be out in force in July and August to ensure that more than 150,000 labourers are protected from the summer heat and follow social distancing guidelines amid the pandemic.
The two-month ban on outdoor work between midday and 4pm will kick off on July 1.
Labour and Social Development Ministry Under-Secretary Sabah Al Doseri told the GDN that preparations have already started to address any challenges that may arise as a result of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
“The work ban will begin on July 1 as always and we have started the preparations,” said Mr Al Doseri.
“This year, as it comes amid all the precautionary regulations against Covid-19, could be different and with many challenges, but we will make sure it goes on as in the past.
“Over 30,000 registered construction sites and more than 150,000 people working on these sites will be covered in the work ban.”
The ban is based on a 2007 law that aims to prevent heat-related illnesses during the scorching summer months.
This year the ban comes amid Covid-19, which has affected over 20,000 people in the country, with a large number of them being labourers.
“This year it comes with extra health guidelines as in the workers maintaining social distancing and wearing masks even when they are taking a break from noon and 4pm, maybe at the sites itself,” added Mr Al Doseri.
“Employers and employees must bear in mind that it is critical and we can’t afford to take public health guidelines lightly.
“In the next step we will also be liaising with all major embassies on special public awareness ahead of the work ban, under the Covid-19 circumstances.
“The challenges this year, till now, have been new and unique and we will be prepared for any such during the work ban time as well.”
Mr Al Doseri said the ministry will also initiate workshops and online meetings with employers and foreign embassy representatives as part of the preparations to implement the ban.
He said some of the awareness sessions will also be held in co-operation with the Health Ministry.
“We have 25 labour inspectors who have been instructed again on the precautionary measures that they should ensure while out on inspection,” he said.
“Definitely they will be out in force inspecting sites, but in their cars and will follow all public guidelines – we will have workshops for this by the month end.
“Meanwhile, we are also arranging online meetings with employers – mainly human resources managers of companies – on the arrangements for summer work ban.
“The Health Ministry will also hold special awareness sessions on the work ban during Covid-19.”
Last year only 56 violations involving 148 workers were recorded, a significant drop from previous years, which accounted for 99.5 per cent compliance by firms.
Campaigners have repeatedly called for the ban to be extended, however, Mr Al Doseri said there was “no sign of early or extended work ban” this year as well.
“We cannot decide on this until we assess the economic situation and all entities involved agree,” he added.
“But we are glad that employers have adapted to the work ban culture and they know that it is working towards the overall benefit of businesses.
“There are many employers who use their discretion to extend the ban in their companies, which is a good gesture.
“Last year we saw 99.5 per cent compliance and we hope to make that 100pc this year.”
Labour inspectors conducted 11,235 field inspections during July and August last year, which was an increase from 10,341 visits in 2018.
Employers who flouted the ban were referred to the Public Prosecution and faced up to three months behind bars and fines of BD500 to BD1,000 for each employee caught working outside.
In 2018, the ministry collected more than BD10,000 in fines from employers who flouted the ban.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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