Page 83 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

6/28/24, 2:15 PM International SOS alerts companies to ensure workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves

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 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. 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.

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