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6/28/24, 2:16 PM Workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves - Health Magazine

International SOS alerts companies to ensure workforce safety amid
extreme heatwaves
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June 27, 2024
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 billion workers, are at risk 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.

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 percent of employers comply with the ban due to the Ministry’s rigorous
inspections.

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