Page 63 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

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

"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," said the International SOS medical chief.

"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," he added.

International SOS has offered following guidelines to the organisations:

*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 recognise 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 organisation’s heat response
plans to ensure they reflect the latest information and best practices for heat safety.

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is in the business of saving
lives and protecting global workforce from health and security threats.

It is trusted by over 9,000 organisations, including majority of the Fortune Global 500 as well as mid-size enterprises,
governments, educational institutions, and NGOs.

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