Page 76 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

6/28/24, 2:10 PM International SOS alerts UAE firms to ensure workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves
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:

1. 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 with pre-existing health conditions or

who perform strenuous outdoor work.
2. Integrate heat safety into health and safety policies: make heat stress prevention

a core component of your health and safety policies. Ensure workers have access to

shaded areas for breaks, hydration stations to keep hydrated and allow for breathable

workwear suitable for high temperatures.

3. Provide heat stress awareness and prevention training: deliver climate-specific
training programmes that focus on working safely in extreme heat. Educate

employees on proper hydration practices and sun protection measures and enable

them to adjust their work pace during high temperatures. Train employees to

recognise heat stress symptoms and provide clear protocols for hydration, rest breaks

and cooling down.

4. Develop robust heat response protocols: develop well-defined procedures for

responding to heat-related illnesses, including first aid and emergency evacuation.
Communicate these protocols effectively and ensure your workforce knows who to

contact in case of a heat emergency.

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