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7/1/24, 1:49 PM International SOS alerts companies to ensure workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves

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International SOS alerts companies to ensure workforce

safety amid extreme heatwaves

Jun 27, 2024 (MENAFN via COMTEX) --
(MENAFN - Orient Planet Group) 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 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.
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 fatigue, while physiological and cognitive abilities can
decline due to heat strain.5 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."

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