How to Avoid Legal Liability as a Worker in Charge of a Team in Bahrain
In Bahrain’s construction, contracting, oil & gas, and other high-risk industries, team leaders, foremen, and supervisors carry extra responsibilities.
While they are not the employer, they can still be held legally accountable if negligence or unsafe practices occur under their supervision.
Understanding how to manage a team within the law is essential for protecting both your workers and yourself from legal liability.
Learn about your rights under Bahrain Labour Law.
Understanding Legal Liability for Team Leaders
Under Bahraini labour and occupational safety regulations, a worker in charge of a team may face legal consequences if:
- They knowingly allow unsafe work to continue.
- They fail to report hazards to management.
- Their negligence leads to an injury or accident.
- They breach safety protocols required by law.
Common Risks for Team Leaders
- Ignoring Safety Rules – Allowing workers to skip PPE or bypass safety systems.
- Improper Task Delegation – Assigning work to untrained or unqualified team members.
- Failure to Report Hazards – Not escalating safety issues to the employer or safety officer.
- Poor Incident Management – Failing to follow proper procedures after an accident.
Get advice from the Best Lawyer in Bahrain for labour law cases.
Best Practices to Avoid Legal Liability
1. Enforce Safety Compliance
- Ensure all team members wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Stop work immediately if conditions become unsafe.
2. Keep Accurate Records
- Document safety checks, training sessions, and incident reports.
- Keep a daily log of team activities.
3. Communicate with Management
- Report hazards, equipment failures, and safety violations promptly.
4. Lead by Example
- Follow every safety rule yourself — leadership by example encourages compliance.
5. Provide Proper Instructions
- Give clear, legally compliant instructions for every task.
- Ensure workers understand their duties and safety procedures.
Example:
A foreman on a construction site noticed workers operating without safety harnesses at height. He immediately stopped the work, provided the required PPE, and documented the incident in the site log. Later, during a safety inspection, this documentation protected him from liability when the issue was reviewed.
Final Legal Reminder
As a team leader in Bahrain’s high-risk industries, you are the bridge between workers and management.
Your role carries both operational and legal responsibility.
By enforcing safety rules, documenting actions, and acting quickly when hazards arise, you protect your team and yourself from serious legal consequences.
In our previous blog on Legal Lessons from Real Workplace Injury Cases in Bahrain
