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International SOS Alerts Companies To Ensure Workforce
Safety Amid Extreme Heatwaves

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
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billion workers, are atrisk 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
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occupational injuries and 18,970 work-related fatalities are attributable to excessive 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.

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
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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.”

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