Heat stress is a danger for workers exposed to high temperatures, particularly in the Gulf in the summer, when temperatures can top 50%
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures at work reduces productivity and increases the risk of injury, disease and death, with worker productivity dropping by 2–3% for every degree above 20°C. It can also lead to increased risk-taking and decreased concentration, leading to accidents beyond its direct impact.
Midday work ban
The six countries of the GCC all implement a midday work ban, which prohibits outdoor work in during the summer months, which is generally strictly enforced. Bahrain for example, prohibits outdoor work between 12pm and 4pm from 15 June to 31 August, conducting regular inspections and enforcement measures to safeguard worker wellbeing. In 2025, adherence to the regulation reached 99.96%, indicating growing awareness among employers, supported by regular inspections and enforcement measures designed to safeguard worker wellbeing.
Alba Summer S&H campaign
Many companies and government departments in the Gulf launch summer safety campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of heat stress and measures that can be taken to prevent it, such as increasing the number of breaks, adapting access to water, cool spaces and shade, and adapting the working hours.
Among those is Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), which has launched its annual plant-wide Summer Safety and Health (S&H) Campaign under the theme "Safety by Choice, Excellence by Habit."
The campaign is in alignment with Alba’s commitment to strengthening its safety culture and promoting the health and wellbeing of its workforce, particularly during the summer season, through a series of awareness activities and events. Employees, contractors and workers will receive valuable information and practical guidance on key topics, including heat stress prevention, proper hydration and summer safety best practices, delivered by both internal and external safety specialists.
Core organisational value
Speaking at the campaign launch, Alba’s chief executive officer, Ali Al Baqali, emphasised that safety at Alba is a core organisational value and a year-round commitment that underpins every aspect of the company’s operations. He noted that the Summer Safety and Health Campaign represents an important milestone in Alba’s journey towards safety excellence, providing an opportunity to renew awareness, strengthen safe behaviours and safeguard everyone throughout the most challenging period of the year.
Al Baqali also urged all employees to continue adhering to safety procedures to achieve a 10th consecutive summer without a single heat-related injury or illness, by staying well hydrated, remaining vigilant at all times and reinforcing safety as a conscious choice in every aspect of their work.
As one of Alba’s flagship annual safety initiatives, the Summer S&H Campaign highlights the importance of continuous awareness, personal accountability and proactive risk management in industrial workplaces. The Campaign also plays a vital role in promoting safe behaviours, reducing heat-related incidents and fostering a culture where safety is embraced as a shared responsibility and an enduring daily practice. The company’s comprehensive health and safety initiatives are designed not only to prevent incidents but also to promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement among employees and contractors alike.
Alba’s proactive approach has had results. Last year the company reported it had completed its ninth consecutive summer season without a single heat-related illness or injury, attributing this to its robust awareness campaigns, hydration programmes, and continuous monitoring of working conditions.
