Key Legal Rights for Construction and High-Risk Industry Workers in Bahrain
Construction and high-risk industries such as oil & gas, marine, manufacturing, and heavy equipment operations are among the most hazardous work environments in Bahrain. Workers in these sectors face daily exposure to physical, mechanical, and environmental risks, making legal protection and awareness of rights essential for safety, fair treatment, and proper compensation.
This blog outlines the key legal rights for workers in Bahrain’s high-risk sectors, focusing on construction and related industries.
Read more about our Labour Law expertise in Bahrain.
Right to a Safe and Healthy Work Environment
Under Bahraini law, employers have a legal duty to ensure workplace safety. This includes:
- Providing a safe working environment, free from preventable hazards.
- Implementing safety procedures and emergency protocols.
- Supplying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, safety harnesses, and goggles.
- Conducting safety drills and providing safety training.
Legal note: If an accident occurs due to lack of safety measures, the employer can be held liable for damages and face penalties.
Right to Fair Wages and Overtime Payment
Workers are entitled to:
- Wages paid in Bahraini Dinars, on time, as stated in the employment contract.
- Overtime pay for extra working hours, night shifts, weekends, and public holidays at legally prescribed rates.
Legal note: If overtime or agreed wages are unpaid, workers can file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour to recover dues.
Right to Reasonable Working Hours and Rest Periods
- The standard workweek in Bahrain is 48 hours (8 hours per day), except where specific industry conditions apply.
- Workers must be given at least one full day off per week.
- Rest breaks must be provided for every six hours of continuous work, especially for outdoor workers exposed to high temperatures.
Right to Medical Care and Compensation for Injuries
If a worker is injured on the job:
- The employer must cover medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation.
- If the injury leads to temporary or permanent disability, the worker may be entitled to financial compensation based on the severity of the injury and the nature of the work.
Legal note: Workplace injuries must be reported immediately, and a medical report should be filed as part of the compensation claim process.
Right to Refuse Dangerous Work
Workers can refuse to perform work that poses an imminent and serious danger to their health or safety, provided they inform the employer or supervisor immediately.
Example: If scaffolding is unstable or electrical wiring is exposed, a worker can stop work until the hazard is addressed without facing penalties.
Right to a Written Employment Contract
Every worker should have a written employment contract in Arabic (with a translation if needed) stating:
- Job role and duties.
- Wage details.
- Working hours.
- Leave entitlements.
- Termination conditions.
Without a contract, workers may face difficulties proving their rights in disputes.
Labour Lawyers in Bahrain handling employment disputes.
Example:
A group of construction workers in Bahrain was assigned to work at height without safety harnesses. One worker reported the unsafe conditions to the site supervisor, but no action was taken. After a fall injury occurred, the worker’s lawyer used site inspection reports to prove that the employer had failed to meet legal safety obligations. The court awarded full medical compensation and back wages for recovery time.
Best Practices for Workers
- Always request and keep a signed copy of your employment contract.
- Report unsafe conditions immediately in writing or through official channels.
- Keep personal records of wages, overtime, and work hours.
- Attend all safety training sessions and follow PPE requirements.
