Page 62 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

7/1/24, 1:29 PM International SOS sends alerts to UAE firms on workers' safety in summer
International SOS sends alerts to UAE
firms on workers' safety in summer

DUBAI, 2 days ago
International SOS, world’s leading health and
security services company, has sent alerts to
companies in the UAE to ensure safety of the
workforce with heatwaves expected to become
more severe in the region as well as 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.

According to International SOS, 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, it stated.

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 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, stated International SOS in its alert.

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 organisations are crucial to mitigate these risks and safeguard worker wellbeing and productivity, it
stated.

Dr Ehab Chalabie, Medical Director, Medical Services, Middle East, International SOS, said: "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."

He pointed out that organisations must go beyond basic heat stress prevention and integrate heat stress risk
assessments into their health and safety policies.

Furthermore, providing training to employees to recognise early signs of heat illness is critical, stated Dr Chalabie,
adding that 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, he noted.

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