Labour inspectors fully clad in personal protection equipment (PPE) will be out in force to monitor the annual summer outdoor work ban which begins today.
The two-month ban on outdoor work between midday and 4pm is based on a 2007 law aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses during the scorching summer months.
Temperature in Bahrain yesterday recorded a maximum of 45C and a minimum of 29C, with the weather turning humid overnight.
The humidity was at 85 per cent maximum and 15pc minimum.
The meteorological directorate also forecast a maximum temperature of 44C and a minimum of 29C today, while it will be 43C and 28C, respectively, tomorrow.
The clamp this year comes amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic which has affected more than 25,000 people in the country, with a good number of them being labourers.
The PPE comes in line with health protocols stipulated to prevent the spread of Covid-19, a senior labour official told the GDN yesterday.
He added that inspectors had been strictly advised to focus more on awareness than enforcement this year, to avoid any fear and panic amongst the workers.
“This will be a new experience for the workers, to see inspectors in PPE – there could be a sense of fear or panic by associating it with the virus,” he said.
“We don’t want this to cause any kind of worksite incident, so we have strictly told the inspectors to focus more on awareness this year than enforcement.
“Also for their (inspectors’) safety, they could stay in their vehicles and give advice unless it is necessary for them to enter the sites.”
Labour and Social Development Ministry Under-Secretary Sabah Al Doseri confirmed to the GDN last month that the ban will cover more than 30,000 construction sites this year, with 25 labour inspectors out in force to ensure the protection of more than 150,000 workers from the summer heat during July and August.
The official said the inspectors will check if the workers are maintaining social distancing and wearing masks even during their break from noon until 4pm.
“We have urged all employers to provide their employees with the necessary safety gear and face masks.”
He added that the ministry has conducted a number of online awareness workshops in co-operation with employers and at labour camps.
“This year the usual awareness campaigns with civil societies and embassies will be held online.
“We will be liaising with embassies of major labour-sending countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and others on this subject.”
VIOLATORS
Meanwhile, Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan said in a statement yesterday that violations to the mid-day work ban will not be tolerated.
He urged employers as well as work site supervisors and occupational safety and health engineers to train workers in first aid, provide health care and adequate drinking water to protect workers from heat stress.
The ministry has also opened two hotlines, 17873648 and 32265727, to report any violations.
Employers flouting the ban will be referred to the Public Prosecution and will face up to three months behind bars and fines of between BD500 and BD1,000 for each employee caught working outside.
Over the years the ban has proved effective, with the ministry last year recording only 56 violations involving 148 workers, and reflecting 99.5 per cent compliance by firms.
Inspectors conducted 11,235 field inspections in July and August last year – an increase from 10,341 visits in 2018.
Campaigners have repeatedly called for the ban to be extended but Mr Al Doseri said this year too there was no plan to extend the clamp.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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