Positive interaction of citizens and residents to report violations of "noon work"

08-08-2020

Citizens and residents have responded enthusiastically to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s dedicated hotline, which allows the public to report or seek guidance on the implementation of Resolution No. (3) of 2013. The resolution prohibits outdoor work in direct sunlight between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. throughout July and August each year—a measure first introduced in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2007. Acting Director of the Inspection and Occupational Safety Directorate, Engineer Mustafa Aqeel Al-Shaikh, noted that this strong engagement reflects widespread awareness of the resolution’s humanitarian purpose: safeguarding workers from the serious health risks posed by extreme heat and humidity. To date, the Ministry has received fifty‑nine calls on the dedicated line (32265727). These calls have included reports of potential violations and enquiries about legal requirements, ways to restructure working hours, appropriate personal protective equipment, and the correct response to cases of heat stress, sunstroke and other summer‑related illnesses. Upon receiving any hotline report alleging a breach of the summer work‑ban, the competent team at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development conducts an immediate site inspection to verify whether the violation has indeed occurred. The ministerial decision on the prohibition of noon work stipulates that "anyone who violates the provisions of this decision shall be punished by the penalties stipulated in Article (192) of the Labour Law in the Private Sector, promulgated by Law No. (36) of 2012. It also stipulates that anyone who violates any of the provisions of Chapter (15) and the decisions issued in implementation thereof shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months and a fine of not less than BD500 and not more than BD1000, or one of these two penalties." Engineer Mustafa Aqeel Al-Shaikh called on employers to cooperate fully with work‑site supervisors and occupational health‑and‑safety engineers by isolating heat sources or production processes wherever practicable, erecting protective barriers to reduce radiant heat, supplying appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing, and introducing worker‑rotation systems.  He underscored the need to shorten periods of exposure, lengthen rest breaks, ensure a constant supply of fluids and salts, segregate food‑preparation and storage areas from heat‑generating operations, and maintain adequate first‑aid provisions for prompt medical intervention at the workplace.