A ban on outdoor work during the hottest hours of summer will be enforced again this year following its success last year, it was revealed.

People will not be allowed to work outdoors between noon and 4pm in July and August, Labour Ministry assistant under-secretary for labour Jameel Humaidan said.

The ban was implemented last year following a Cabinet decision.

It has been very effective in enhancing productivity and protecting the health of workers, said Humaidan.

He said many companies started as early as 5am and finished work for the day by noon.

"Such companies said their productivity improved during that period, by having a straight shift for workers who were able to get enough rest after work," he said.

Companies, which break the law are fined BD50 to BD300 for each worker involved.

"A total of 472 establishments, involving 1,641 workers, were taken to court last year," said Mr Humaidan. "Our inspectors carried out 3,855 site visits." He said that more than 35 inspectors would be deployed for this year's campaign.-TradeArabia News Service