By MANDEEP SINGH
Published: 7th August 2007
THE cases of two Asian workers, who are in intensive care at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) due to heat stroke, has sparked a call by health officials for stricter enforcement of the ban on labourers working outdoors between noon and 4pm. Another worker, also an Asian, is recovering after having been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for three days, Accident and Emergency Department chairman Dr Jassim Al Mehza said yesterday.
“The three heat stroke victims had been working in the sun between noon and 4pm, even though working at that time has been banned,” said Dr Al Mehza.
By MANDEEP SINGH
Published: 7th August 2007
THE cases of two Asian workers, who are in intensive care at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) due to heat stroke, has sparked a call by health officials for stricter enforcement of the ban on labourers working outdoors between noon and 4pm. Another worker, also an Asian, is recovering after having been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for three days, Accident and Emergency Department chairman Dr Jassim Al Mehza said yesterday.
“The three heat stroke victims had been working in the sun between noon and 4pm, even though working at that time has been banned,” said Dr Al Mehza.
“This is a serious issue and needs to be tackled on an urgent basis.
“Employers must take appropriate steps to ensure that all workers are properly sheltered while they are working, with adequate supply of water and shade.
“The employers should also ensure that workers stay away from the sun during the four hours.”
Dr Al Mehza said that in addition to these victims of heat stroke, there had been 12 cases of heat exhaustion in the last one week.
“Heat exhaustion is not as dangerous a condition as heat stroke but if adequate care is not taken, they can suffer from heat stroke,” he said.
Of the 12 heat exhaustion cases, three returned to the hospital with heat stroke symptoms after they ignored medical advice and returned to work.
Dr Al Mehza said they were immediately treated and discharged.
“Employers have to ensure they do not force their workers to go against medical advice. That could be fatal,” he said.
The GDN had earlier reported that nearly 100 companies had been warned and 10 repeating offenders were taken to court for violating the government ban on labourers working outdoors between noon and 4pm during July and August. The ban came into force on July 16.
According to the new regulations, violating companies will be fined from BD50 to BD300 for each worker involved.
Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi issued the order enforcing a Cabinet decision, which bans outdoor work during the hottest hours in July and August.
The decision on the midday work ban was taken by the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, on June 24.
It was published in the Official Gazette on July 12. mandeep@gdn.com.bh
© Gulf Daily News