Occupational Safety Compliance: What Contractors Must Know in Bahrain
In Bahrain’s contracting industry, occupational safety compliance is not just a legal obligation it’s a critical factor in protecting workers, meeting client expectations, and avoiding costly project delays.
Non-compliance with Bahrain’s health and safety regulations can result in fines, stop-work orders, reputational damage, and even criminal liability. This blog explains the key safety obligations for contractors, the regulatory framework, and practical steps to ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
The Legal Framework for Occupational Safety in Bahrain
Bahrain’s occupational safety requirements are regulated primarily under:
- Bahrain Labour Law (Law No. 36 of 2012) — establishing employer obligations for worker safety and health.
- Ministerial Decrees on Occupational Safety — detailing technical and procedural requirements for workplaces.
- Municipal and Civil Defense Regulations — covering building safety, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness.
- Sector-Specific Standards — for specialized industries such as oil & gas, marine works, and high-risk construction.
Key Safety Obligations for Contractors
- Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
- Conduct formal risk assessments before starting work.
- Update assessments when scope changes or new risks emerge.
- Worker Training
- Provide site-specific safety inductions and ongoing training.
- Ensure workers understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Supply and enforce use of appropriate PPE (helmets, gloves, harnesses, etc.).
- Replace damaged or worn PPE promptly.
- Site Safety Management
- Appoint a qualified safety officer or supervisor.
- Maintain safe access routes, signage, and emergency exits.
- Incident Reporting & Investigation
- Report accidents to authorities in accordance with legal requirements.
- Investigate causes to prevent recurrence.
- Compliance with Specialized Safety Standards
- Follow specific guidelines for working at height, confined spaces, electrical safety, and hazardous materials.
Risks of Non-Compliance
- Stop-work orders from inspectors until violations are corrected
- Financial penalties under Bahraini labour and safety laws
- Loss of future contract eligibility, particularly for public tenders
- Legal liability for workplace injuries or fatalities
- Damage to reputation with clients and the public
Example:
A contractor in Bahrain was working on a high-rise office project. Despite clear contractual requirements, no safety harnesses were provided for workers operating on scaffolding. During an inspection, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and Civil Defense identified multiple violations and issued a stop-work order.
The project was delayed for six weeks while safety measures were implemented. The employer withheld payments for the delay, and the contractor faced fines from the authorities. A lawyer reviewing the case confirmed that the delays and penalties could have been avoided with proactive safety compliance from day one.
Best Practices
For Contractors:
- Appoint a dedicated safety officer for every major project.
- Keep safety documentation and inspection records readily available.
- Integrate safety compliance into the project schedule and budget.
For Employers:
- Include strict safety compliance clauses in contracts.
- Monitor contractors through regular inspections and progress meetings.
- Require immediate corrective actions for any violations.