Bahrain Labour Unions Push for Expansion of Heatstroke Protection Measure to Include More Professions

Labour unions in Bahrain are advocating for the extension of the annual midday work ban to encompass additional professions, as part of efforts to safeguard workers from extreme heat. Calls for Inclusion of More Professions in Midday Work Ban Union leaders are urging for the inclusion of professions like food delivery riders and petrol station workers in the midday work ban, citing the need to protect workers who are exposed to high temperatures during the summer months. They point to similar measures adopted in neighboring countries, where motorcycle delivery riders are not permitted to work during the hottest hours of the day. Abdullah Al Maraj, Vice President for Media and Public Relations at the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation, emphasized the importance of extending the midday work ban to better shield workers from heat-related illnesses. He suggested extending the ban from mid-June to mid-September to cover a wider period of intense heat. Advocating for Comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Program Ali Al Asfoor, Assistant Secretary General for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment at the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, echoed the call for expanding the scope of the ban. He highlighted the necessity of establishing a comprehensive national program for occupational health and safety that aligns with the country's requirements. Al Asfoor stressed the importance of increased supervision in sectors exempted from the ban, such as the oil and gas industry, while also emphasizing the need to support professions like delivery riders and petrol station workers. Health Risks Associated with High Temperatures Dr. Maysam Ali Abbas, a family medicine specialist, underscored the health hazards linked to working in extreme heat. She outlined various risks, from mild heat cramps to severe heatstroke, associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures and intense sunlight. Dr. Abbas warned about the impact of sun exposure on skin health, electrolyte balance disruption in the body, and complications for individuals with certain medical conditions like diabetes or heart diseases. The push for an expanded midday work ban in Bahrain aims to enhance worker safety and well-being in the face of rising temperatures during the summer months.