Bahrain Bans Outdoor Work In Hottest Hours Due to Safety Concerns

 

An appeal for more protection for outdoor workers has gone out after more than a dozen men were admitted to the hospital in the last week with severe heat exhaustion.

 

 

According to a report from the Gulf Daily News, the workers all arrived at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) by midday as a result of Bahrain's soaring summer temperatures, which peaked at 41 degrees Celsius (105.8F) with humidity levels rising beyond 85 percent.(WCxKit)

 

Bahrain has a ban on outdoor work between midday and 4 p.m. throughout July and August. However, an emergency doctor warned the situation could become "critical" with the advent of Ramadan – when eating and drinking in public is outlawed. Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a month of fasting meant to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility, and submissiveness to God

 

 

According to the chief resident at SMC, “Though there is an afternoon work ban in place, workers and their employers should be aware that with the advent of Ramadan, the situation could become critical. It could be very harmful for workers going without water in extremely high heat and humidity, so other steps should be taken to protect them.”

 

He added all of the workers who came to hospital were suffering from severe cramps and nausea.(WCxKit)

 

Meanwhile, a Labor Ministry official reported the afternoon ban on summer work between midday and 4 p.m. was being implemented effectively.