Labour unions in Bahrain are advocating for the inclusion of certain professions in the annual midday work ban, which is set to begin on July 1st. The ban, which will run from July 1st to August 31st, aims to protect workers from extreme heat during the hottest months of the year. Union leaders are specifically calling for professions like food delivery riders and petrol station workers, who spend long hours outdoors under the hot sun, to be included in the ban. They point to similar measures taken in other regional countries, where motorcycle delivery riders are prohibited from working during midday hours.
Abdullah Al Maraj, Vice President for Media and Public Relations at the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation, explained that the current ban prohibits work in areas where temperatures exceed the permissible level for normal work, not only in outdoor spaces but also in all hot work environments. He called for a review of regulations concerning the working class and suggested extending the midday work ban from mid-June to mid-September to better protect workers from heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Al Maraj emphasized the need to include delivery riders in the ban, citing their exposure to high temperatures and sunlight.
Ali Al Asfoor, Assistant Secretary General for Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment at the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, also supported the expansion of the ban’s scope. He stressed the importance of implementing a comprehensive national program for occupational health and safety that aligns with the country’s needs. Acknowledging Bahrain’s early adoption of occupational health and safety laws in the 1970s, Al Asfoor emphasized the need to keep up with rapid advancements in the field.
Dr. Maysam Ali Abbas, a family medicine specialist, highlighted the health risks associated with working in extreme heat. She explained that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and intense sunlight can lead to various health issues, from mild heat cramps to severe heatstroke. Dr. Abbas also warned about the risk of skin damage and various skin conditions due to prolonged sun exposure without protection. Individuals with certain health conditions like diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease are particularly vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures and may experience complications.
The call for the inclusion of delivery riders and petrol station workers in the midday work ban is part of a broader push by labour unions in Bahrain to ensure the safety and well-being of workers in hot work environments. By expanding the ban’s scope and developing alternative plans to support affected sectors without compromising productivity, unions aim to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and ensure a safe work environment. The implementation of a comprehensive national program for occupational health and safety is seen as necessary to address the evolving needs of the workforce and keep up with advancements in the field.
In conclusion, the efforts by labour unions to advocate for the inclusion of certain professions in the midday work ban in Bahrain highlight the importance of prioritizing worker safety and well-being in hot work environments. With the support of union leaders, health experts, and government officials, steps can be taken to ensure that workers are protected from the health risks associated with extreme heat exposure. By implementing comprehensive occupational health and safety programs and expanding the scope of the midday work ban to include at-risk professions, Bahrain can create a safer work environment for all workers.
