Page 73 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

6/28/24, 2:10 PM International SOS alerts UAE firms to ensure workforce safety amid extreme heatwaves

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
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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% 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
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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.

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

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