A court in Bahrain has begun proceedings against an employer accused of causing a worker’s death through negligence and failure to comply with workplace safety standards.
The First High Criminal Court heard the case on Thursday after prosecutors charged the defendant with failing to provide a safe working environment at a restaurant renovation site where the incident occurred.
According to court documents, the accident happened while workers were moving equipment and materials from the roof of the building following welding work. The deceased worker reportedly stood near the top of an open stairwell before falling around 20 metres to the ground outside the building.
The worker suffered severe head injuries and later died after being transported to hospital.
Prosecutors said the employer failed to follow occupational safety requirements and did not take the necessary measures to protect workers at the site. Authorities alleged the defendant failed to secure the work area and did not provide safe access points for employees carrying out their duties.
The prosecution also stated that workers were not properly informed about the dangers linked to the job or the safety procedures required while working at height.
Investigators said the employer failed to ensure workers used safety harnesses or secured themselves to ropes attached to the roof structure. The defendant was also accused of not providing written occupational safety training to the work team.
The prosecution argued that these failures directly contributed to the worker’s fatal fall from the stairwell opening.
The First High Criminal Court adjourned the case and scheduled May 24 for the verdict.
