NO violations of the annual two-month summer outdoor work ban in Bahrain have been recorded this year by a rights watchdog.
The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) said its team had not received a single complaint.
The annual ban, between noon and 4pm from July 1 to August 31, was introduced in 2007, aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses amongst the most vulnerable of the workforce.
Guidance leaflets and brochures in multiple languages were distributed to both workers and private firms.
These included instructions and information about the continuous exposure to sunlight and high temperatures.
The guides also include necessary tasks and a statement of requirements to create the necessary conditions to prevent summer ailments and accidents.
The GDN reported on July 25 that more than 6,200 visits to construction sites across the country had been conducted by labour inspectors to ensure compliance with the ban.
However, Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan said at the time that only five violations were recorded.
Violators faced legal consequences, and anybody violating the provisions of the ban was punished in accordance with the Labour Law, facing up to three months in prison and a fine of at least BD500 and not exceeding BD1000, or both.
The GDN reported last year that there was a 99.2 per cent compliance with the 2023 mid-day summer work ban, with 16 violations being recorded by employers and 31 by workers.
Meanwhile, NIHR chairman Ali Alderazi yesterday lauded the recent Cabinet decision to extend the annual outdoor work ban from next year to three months, from June 15 to September 15.
He said the decision would protect the rights of workers especially during the hot weather conditions, further reflecting the government’s commitment to safeguard human rights for all.
“The decision shows that Bahrain cares for its expatriate community including labourers, and it was the NIHR back in 2019 that submitted its observations in this regard (extension of the ban) and we welcome the decision,” said Mr Alderazi.
“We are happy to see that from next year the summer work ban will be extended to three months.
“This move is part of broader efforts to improve labour standards and effectively uphold workers’ rights.”
Mr Alderazi also emphasised that the NIHR diligently monitored any cases related to human rights concerns and advised stakeholders on following international standards.
The watchdog can be contacted for support or information through the toll-free hotline 80001144.
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