The ban on afternoon work in open spaces throughout Bahrain began on July 1, 2020, with the annual ban prohibiting work from noon until 4:00PM throughout the months of July and August, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has announced.

According to a report by BNA, the decision is in line with Bahrain’s concern to protect workers from occupational diseases and injuries, especially during the searing summer temperatures and high humidity.

Labour Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan stressed the importance of complying with the decision, pointing out that the commitment rate in previous years was exemplary, with at least 98% of firms complying with the ruling.

He also emphasised the need to provide workers with the best work equipment to protect them from potential occupational problems related to the hot and humid weather.

The ministry said that it will closely monitor the implementation of the decision by around 30,000 companies and establishments, reported BNA.

A hotline (17873648) was also set up for the public to report any violations. The ministry’s inspection teams will verify the violations and take the necessary measures in this regard.

Under the law, violators will face imprisonment for up to three months and fines of at least BD500 ($1,317), it added.