Page 101 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

6/28/24, 2:16 PM International SOS alerts companies to ensure workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves - Middle East News 247
Workers across various sectors are impacted by extreme weather events, however, certain occupations are
especially at risk as they involve more physical effort and/or take place outdoors. Industrial workers in indoor

settings are also at risk if temperature levels inside factories and workshops are not regulated properly. At
high heat levels, performing even basic office and desk tasks can be challenging as it can cause mental
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fatigue, while physiological and cognitive abilities can decline due to heat strain. Exposure to excessive heat
can also lead to serious health risks, including heatstroke and even death. Proactive measures from
organisations are crucial to mitigate these risks and safeguard worker wellbeing and productivity.

Dr Ehab Chalabie, Medical Director, Medical Services, Middle East, International SOS, comments, “The
growing intensity and frequency of heatwaves pose a significant challenge for workforce health and safety.

Occupational heat stress used to be primarily an outdoor concern, but with rising temperatures, even indoor
workplaces without proper ventilation can become dangerous. Organisations must go beyond basic heat
stress prevention and integrate heat stress risk assessments into their health and safety policies.
Furthermore, training employees to recognise early signs of heat illness is critical. Early intervention can

prevent a medical emergency and long-term health consequences. By fostering a culture of heat awareness
and encouraging frequent hydration and breaks during peak temperatures, organisations can empower their

workforce to stay healthy and safe.

“It is also important for organisations to be able to distinguish the different stages of heat-related illness.

Heatstroke, the most severe heat illness, is a medical emergency and can cause long term impact if prompt
medical attention is not given. Symptoms include a core body temperature exceeding 40°C, nausea and/or
vomiting, confusion and seizures. Recognising the early signs of heat stress, such as sweating, dizziness,

headache and cramps, allows swift intervention to prevent escalation to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”

International SOS offers guidelines for organisations to mitigate workforce health risks of extreme

heat events:

. Conduct heat-specific risk assessments: regularly assess your operations for potential heat stress

hazards. Identify high-risk locations and activities and consider vulnerable employee profiles, including those

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