Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan has stressed the government’s keenness on supporting all measures aimed at protecting workers and ensuring their safety at various work sites out of its interest in preserving human rights during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s prosperous era.

While commenting on the end of the afternoon outdoor work ban for this summer, he said that more than 150,000 workers had benefited from the ban.

He said that 98 per cent of the concerned companies and establishments had complied with the rule that bans forcing labourers to work under the scorching heat of the summer sun from noon to 4 pm.

He pointed that the outstanding implementation of Edict 3 of 2013 on banning outdoor afternoon work reflects the employers’ high awareness, lauding the companies’ full cooperation, positive response and understanding of the noble human values of it.

He added that the compliance rate of 98 pc of the concerned sides indicates their keenness to protect workers and ensure their safety, which, he said, reflects the respect of human rights culture prevailing in the kingdom.

He noted that Bahrain’s advanced strides in this regard have been welcomed and praised by specialised international organsiations and agencies.

He highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and the private sector in order to develop the work environment, avoid occupational accidents as much as possible and increase productivity and profits of companies.

He explained that the Labour Ministry’s specialised team had carried out 7890 surprise and regular inspection visits to work sites during the ban, which ended on August 31, and reported 92 violations with 173 workers affected, noting that legal action will be taken against violators.

It is to be noted that a jail term not exceeding three months, and/or a BD500-1000 fine, is the penalty inflicted on violators.

Source: Fana News