Protection of Workers during Summer

Jameel Homaydan

On 1 July 2010, the Ministerial Decree No. 24 for 2007 came into force. The Decree prohibits workers in the construction sector from working under the heat of the sun in open spaces between 12 noon and 4 pm during July and August each year. The Minister of Labour, Dr. Majeed Al Alwi, stated that the implementation of the Decree reflects Bahrain’s determination to apply international labour standards in order to protect workers; especially during harsh weather conditions and when the temperature is extremely high. The Under-Secretary, Jameel Homaydan called upon the employers in the construction sector to comply with the Decree by setting up a timetable in work sites to illustrate the working hours in a language that is understood by the workers. Homaydan warned the employers from ignoring the Ministry’s Decree and pointed out that the Ministry would take legal actions against any breaches and will refer violators to the Public Prosecutor.