By SOMAN BABY

WORKERS’ lives were saved by the midday ban during the hottest months of summer, it was declared yesterday.

Most companies complied with the ban on outdoor work, between noon and 4pm, over the past two months and there were no accidents reported at construction sites during the banned hours.

About 94 per cent of companies complied with the ban this year, which ended on Sunday, against 88pc last year, said Labour Ministry occupational safety head Ali Makki.

“As majority of companies followed government directives, the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) said there were no serious heat stress cases during July and August,” he told the GDN.

“We are happy that the ban paid off in saving lives. No accident was reported during the ban.”

The construction industry in general responded to the Labour Ministry’s campaign to promote safety during outdoor work, said Mr Makki.

Safety officers from 180 construction companies attended a meeting called by the ministry in June.

They were told about the government’s decision to re-introduce the midday work ban this year.

The ban was first implemented last year, following a Cabinet decision.

The theme of this year’s campaign was to stop accidents at construction sites, mainly workers falling from heights, said Mr Makki.

“According to SMC , such cases dropped by 50pc during July and August last year when the work ban was introduced,” he revealed.

“Many workers used to fall from scaffolding due to heat stress.”

Mr Makki said only 6pc companies violated the ban during the past two months, against 12pc during the same period last year. “A final report is now being compiled on the number of inspection visits and violations this year,” he revealed.

Last year, labour and safety inspectors made 3,383 visits to construction sites during the work ban period.

“A total of 472 establishments, involving 1,641 workers, were taken to court last year after they violated the rules,” said Mr Makki.

Companies that break the law are fined BD50 to BD300 for each worker involved.

Out of 28 deaths due to occupational accidents last year, 17 were at construction sites.

However, there were no fatal construction accidents during July and August, said Mr Makki.

Six of the fatal accidents in July and August last year were reported in industries, he added.

Mr Makki said 40 inspectors were deployed for this year’s inspections at sites.

The ban has been very effective in enhancing productivity and protecting the health of workers, he added. “Workers and majority of the companies were happy with the decision,” said Mr Makki.