Page 86 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

7/1/24, 1:28 PM Riyadh Daily

Riyadh "Riyadh Daily"
International SOS Al-Rushaid alerts companies on record-breaking heatwaves to ensure
workforce health and safety

International SOS Al-Rushaid, a joint venture between International SOS, a global leader in customised health, security risk
management, and wellbeing solutions, and Al Rushaid Group, a Saudi-owned company engaged in manufacturing, construction,
engineering, and other key sectors, alerts its client in Saudi Arabia as heatwaves are anticipated to become more frequent and intense
in different parts of the world. Heatwaves are proven to be one of the most dangerous natural hazards, which can pose a significant
health and safety risk for the global workforce. Heatwaves and above-average temperatures have already been reported in June 2024,
with this year’s April being the hottest April in the global climate record 2, putting half of the global population, including over one-billion
workers, at risk of extreme temperature.1

Heatstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion are just some of the dangers workers face in extreme heat. These conditions can lead to
decreased productivity, increased accidents and even fatalities. Annually, 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 work-related
deaths are attributable to excessive heat3. In order to help companies address heat-related concerns that may affect workers, Saudi
Arabia’s Ministry of Labour offers rules and advice to businesses. During the summer, the Kingdom has implemented a midday labour
ban between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Even though, workers in the petroleum, natural gas and emergency maintenance industries are
exempted from this prohibition, authorities have mandated companies to adhere to certain safety precautions to protect employees from
extreme heat.
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 Abdulrahman Aman, Chief Medical Officer at International SOS Al-Rushaid, 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. Organisations must go beyond basic
heat stress prevention and integrate heat stress risk assessments into their health and safety policies. Furthermore, training employees

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