Manama : Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Labour and Minister of Legal Affairs, affirmed that the Ministry of Labour continues its efforts to foster a safe working environment by reducing occupational risks and strengthening prevention systems across workplaces. He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to developing labour legislation in line with international best practices and to consolidating occupational safety and health standards, towards a safer and more sustainable work environment.
Marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on April 28, the Minister noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain attaches growing importance to raising workers’ awareness of potential occupational accidents and diseases across various productive sectors. This, he said, contributes to enhancing compliance with occupational safety and health regulations and safeguarding the workforce. He said that embedding a culture of safety and promoting awareness of workplace risks remain fundamental pillars for sustaining development, given that human capital is the cornerstone of the production process.
The Minister also commended employers for their commitment to protecting the national workforce and maintaining job stability during the recent period, which saw the Kingdom of Bahrain subjected to Iranian attacks. He highlighted the precautionary measures adopted by establishments to safeguard workers and mitigate risks, reflecting a strong sense of national responsibility and adherence to professional standards. He further praised the vigilance and efficiency of the military and security authorities and their ongoing efforts to safeguard national security, protect achievements, and address all threats, thereby reinforcing stability and providing a secure environment for all sectors.
He pointed to the pivotal role of the Occupational Safety and Health Council in promoting a culture of prevention and enhancing safety standards across workplaces, noting its effective contributions to the development of national policies and coordination among relevant entities, in a manner that supports worker protection and advances a safe and sustainable working environment.
The Minister underscored the importance of maintaining a proactive approach to reducing occupational accidents, through the selection of appropriate and safe equipment and technologies suited to the nature of work, and adherence to the use of protective gear. He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to intensifying oversight and inspection visits, and strengthening the role of safety supervisors, to further embed a risk-free working environment.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Labour’s commitment, in cooperation with the Occupational Safety and Health Council, to continue strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders and developing the regulatory legislative frameworks, contributing to the modernisation and enhanced efficiency of the occupational safety and health system. He also highlighted the adoption of qualitative initiatives to promote compliance and entrench best practices, in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s approach to achieving advanced levels of occupational safety in the workplace.
