How the Law Protects Construction Workers from Accidents and Injuries in Bahrain
Construction is one of Bahrain’s most hazardous industries, with workers often exposed to risks such as falls, equipment accidents, electrocution, and hazardous materials. To address these dangers, Bahraini law provides specific protections to safeguard the health, safety, and rights of construction workers.
This blog explains how the law protects workers from accidents and injuries and what both workers and employers must do to remain compliant.
Explore how we handle employment and workplace disputes in Bahrain.
Employer’s Legal Responsibilities
Bahraini labour and safety regulations require employers to take proactive measures to prevent workplace accidents. These include:
- Safe Work Environment
- Identify and eliminate hazards in the workplace.
- Ensure proper site organization to prevent accidents such as falling objects or slips.
- Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Supply workers with helmets, gloves, safety boots, goggles, and harnesses where required.
- Replace damaged PPE immediately.
- Safety Training
- Provide mandatory safety training before assigning workers to dangerous tasks.
- Train workers on emergency evacuation and accident reporting procedures.
- Supervision and Enforcement
- Assign qualified supervisors to monitor worksite safety.
- Enforce compliance with safety protocols at all times.
Worker’s Legal Rights
Under Bahraini law, construction workers have the right to:
- Refuse unsafe work if it presents an imminent danger to health or life.
- Medical treatment at the employer’s expense if injured on the job.
- Financial compensation for temporary or permanent disability caused by workplace accidents.
- Full wage payment during the prescribed recovery period (as determined by law and medical assessment).
Consequences for Employers Who Violate Safety Laws
Employers who fail to comply with safety requirements may face:
- Fines and administrative penalties from regulatory authorities.
- Suspension of operations until safety compliance is restored.
- Civil liability for injury-related medical expenses and lost wages.
- Criminal liability in cases of gross negligence leading to serious injury or death.
Hire an Employment Lawyer in Bahrain for workplace legal issues.
Example:
A scaffolding collapse at a construction site injured two workers in Bahrain. Investigation revealed that no safety harnesses were provided and scaffolding was not properly secured.
The injured workers filed claims with the Ministry of Labour, and the employer was ordered to cover medical costs, pay compensation, and implement mandatory safety upgrades before resuming work.
Best Practices for Workers
- Always wear PPE and report damaged or missing equipment immediately.
- Participate in safety training sessions and follow site-specific safety rules.
- Report unsafe conditions promptly in writing to a supervisor or through official channels.
- Keep copies of medical and accident reports in case of future claims.
In our previous blog on Key Legal Rights for Construction and High-Risk Industry Workers in Bahrain
