Page 107 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

6/28/24, 2:15 PM International SOS alerts companies to ensure workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves
accidents and even fatalities. Annually, 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 work-
related fatalities are attributable to excessive heat3. 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.5 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.
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.”

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