"Push to extend summer work ban as temperature soars", 12 August 2018

Authorities have been urged once again to consider extending the country’s ban on outdoor work during the hottest days of the summer. The ban, which has been in place since 2007, is enforced between midday and 4pm every July and August to protect workers from scorching summer temperatures and potentially fatal heat-related medical conditions. Activists have previously lobbied the government to extend the ban so that it includes September and this year some businessmen have also voiced their support for the initiative. However, the Labour and Social Development Ministry has been reluctant to take action because of its implications for the private sector. The request was once again brought under the limelight yesterday as the Bahrain Health and Safety Society called for the summer work ban to begin from June 15 and end on September 15, from 12pm to 3pm. During a meeting, the society said the move was necessary as temperatures continue to soar with the forecast for September hitting 40C, while this year’s June heatwave saw midday temperatures climbing to as high as 46C... The GDN reported... that 18 more firms have been added to the list of companies that will face prosecution for allegedly flouting the summer ban on outdoor work. The number increased from 123 on July 26 to 141 on August 9, as the ban entered its second month... [L]abour inspectors had visited 8,437 sites and registered violations involving 294 workers.