Employer’s Legal Duty to Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Bahrain

In Bahrain’s construction and other high-risk industries such as oil & gas, maritime, manufacturing, and electrical works, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the first line of defense against workplace injuries.

Under Bahraini law, employers have a legal obligation to provide, maintain, and enforce the use of PPE to protect workers from occupational hazards.

This blog explains what PPE employers must provide, their legal duties, and the consequences of non-compliance.

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What is PPE and Why It Matters

PPE includes any equipment or clothing designed to protect workers from injury or illness caused by workplace hazards.

In construction and high-risk jobs, this may include:

Helmets for head protection.
Safety goggles or face shields.
Hearing protection (earplugs/earmuffs) in noisy environments.
High-visibility vests.
Safety boots with reinforced toes.
Gloves for handling hazardous materials.
Fall protection gear such as safety harnesses.

Without PPE, workers are far more vulnerable to accidents, making employer compliance a critical legal and moral responsibility.

Employer’s Legal Responsibilities for PPE

Under Bahraini occupational safety regulations, employers must:

Provide Appropriate PPE
- Supply PPE suitable for the nature of the job and its hazards.
- Ensure that PPE meets approved safety standards.
Maintain and Replace PPE
- Inspect PPE regularly for wear and tear.
- Replace damaged or expired equipment immediately.
Train Workers in PPE Use
- Provide training on how to correctly wear, adjust, and maintain PPE.
- Instruct workers on when and where PPE must be used.
Enforce PPE Use
- Monitor the workplace to ensure PPE is worn correctly.
- Take corrective action if workers fail to comply.

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

Employers who fail to provide PPE or enforce its use can face:

Fines and penalties from labour and safety authorities.
Suspension of work until safety standards are met.
Civil liability for injuries caused by lack of PPE.
Criminal charges in cases of gross negligence resulting in serious harm.

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Example:

A team of workers was tasked with welding at height on a construction site without proper eye protection or safety harnesses.

One worker suffered an eye injury from sparks and another fell due to unstable footing. The investigation revealed that the employer had not issued PPE or enforced its use. The Ministry of Labour imposed fines, ordered medical compensation, and suspended site operations until PPE requirements were met.

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