Page 58 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

International SOS alerts companies to ensure workforce
safety amid extreme heatwaves

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
1
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
2
been recorded in June 2024 and this year’s April being the hottest April on record.
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 heat . In the UAE, heat stress is a recurring issue
3
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

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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

1. Ebi, K L et al. (2021) | ‘Hot Weather and Heat Extremes: Health Risks’, The Lancet, 398: 10301, pp 698–708.
2. Copernicus Climate Change Service | ERA5 dataset
3. International Labour Organization | Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate
4. International Labour Organization | Working on a warmer planet: The impact of heat stress on labour productivity and decent work
5. Global Heat Health Information Network | Manage and Adapt to Heat at Work