Page 84 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

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

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.”

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.

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