Page 89 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

7/1/24, 1:28 PM Riyadh Daily
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. Without prompt medical attention, it can lead to lasting disability or even death. 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 Al-Rushaid 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.

5- Continuously review and update your response plans: conduct regular reviews of your organisation’s heat response plans to ensure
they reflect the latest information and best practices for heat safety.

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