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6/28/24, 2:16 PM International SOS alerts companies to ensure workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves - Middle East News 247

International SOS alerts companies to ensure

workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves

By Middle East News 247 June 27, 2024

International SOS, world’s leading health and security services company, alerts companies in the UAE to

ensure safety of the workforce with heatwaves expected to become more severe globally. As heatwaves are
most dangerous natural hazards, it can cause extreme health and safety risks for workers. Almost half of the
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global population, including over one billion workers, are at risk of being exposed to high-heat episodes due
to higher-than-normal temperatures and heatwaves, which have already been recorded in June 2024 and
this year’s April being the hottest April on record. 2

Heatstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion are just some of the dangers workers face in extreme heat
conditions. These conditions can lead to decreased productivity, increased accidents and even fatalities.

Annually, 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 work-related fatalities are attributable to excessive
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heat . In the UAE, heat stress is a recurring issue for outdoor workers, especially during the summer when
temperature may reach up to 50°C. With an aim to address this issue, the Ministry of Labour has imposed a
nationwide ban on outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM during summer. Additionally, the Ministry

has mandated employers to clearly display their working hours and provide appropriate rest areas that are
equipped with drinking water, first aid kits and sun protection measures. In 2023, the country witnessed

nearly 95.5 per cent of employers comply with the ban due to the Ministry’s rigorous inspections.

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