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6/28/24, 2:16 PM                           Workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves - Health Magazine
        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 organizations are crucial to mitigate these risks
        and safeguard worker wellbeing and productivity.


        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.  Organizations  must  go  beyond  basic  heat  stress
        prevention  and  integrate  heat  stress  risk  assessments  into  their  health  and  safety  policies.  Furthermore,  training
        employees to recognize 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, organizations can empower their workforce to stay healthy and safe.


        “It is also important for organizations 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.  Recognizing 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  organizations  to  mitigate  workforce  health  risks  of  extreme  heat
        events:


          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.

          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.
          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 recognize heat
          stress symptoms and provide clear protocols for hydration, rest breaks and cooling down.

          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.

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








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