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6/28/24, 2:16 PM Latest News

International SOS alerts companies to ensure

workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves

28/06/2024

Dubai, UAE – 27 June 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 global population, including over one billion workers,1 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
heat3. 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

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