Manama: Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Labour and Minister of Legal Affairs, chaired the Occupational Safety and Health Council that held its first meeting following its reconstitution. Minister Khalaf congratulated the members on the council's reconstitution and their selection for membership, wishing them success in carrying out their duties and responsibilities in a manner that contributes to strengthening the occupational safety and health system in the Kingdom. The meeting also reviewed the tasks and competencies assigned to the council, and its role in continuing to support national efforts aimed at enhancing a safe and healthy working environment.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the council reviewed a study on the decision to ban work during midday hours in the summer period, including its findings and recommendations, in addition to reviewing the mechanism of cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and the Occupational Safety and Health Council to organise the sixth National Occupational Safety and Health Conference and Exhibition.
The council's membership includes, in addition to representatives of the Ministry of Labour, representatives from relevant government entities, trade union organisations, private sector institutions, and civil society organisations, reflecting the approach of community partnership in promoting occupational safety and health and consolidating it within the work and production environment in the Kingdom.
The Occupational Safety and Health Council is responsible for proposing national policies and systems for occupational safety and health, and for reviewing and developing relevant national legislation and standards related to the protection of workers' safety and health and the work environment, in line with the best international practices and standards.
It is also responsible for enhancing awareness and oversight at workplaces, developing the necessary plans to prepare and qualify national cadres in occupational safety and health, and defining the required professional competency standards.