Health and Safety Topic – Keeping Employees Safe in the UAE Summer Heat
The UAE has extremely hot and humid summers. Prolonged or intense exposure to this heat can lead to serious illnesses and possibly death. Heat related illnesses occur when a body cannot get rid of heat as fast as it is generated. When a bodies temperature is raised, the body tries to cool itself by rushing blood to the surface of the skin and away from the brain, muscles and other organs. In addition, body fluid and critical electrolytes will be lost. If the body temperature is not immediately lowered, and the body is not hydrated this can lead to serious, critical or fatal heat related illness. These illnesses can include; heat rash, heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting or dizziness) heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
As temperatures rise during the summer months, outdoor workers face increased risks of heat-related illnesses and injuries. Employers have a legal and moral obligation to protect their employees from the hazards of working in hot conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss effective strategies and best practices for safeguarding employees working in summer heat.
Understanding Heat-Related Risks
Before implementing protective measures, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with working in hot environments. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can occur when the body is unable to regulate its temperature effectively. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and fainting. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also lead to dehydration, sunburn, and heat cramps.
Factors Contributing to Heat Stress
Several factors contribute to the risk of heat stress for outdoor workers:
High Temperature and Humidity: Hot and humid conditions increase the body’s heat load, making it more difficult to dissipate heat through sweating.
Intense Physical Activity: Strenuous work activities, such as construction, landscaping, and agriculture, generate internal heat, further raising the body’s core temperature.
Lack of Shade: Exposure to direct sunlight without adequate shade exacerbates heat stress and increases the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
Personal Factors: Individual factors, such as age, fitness level, medical conditions, and acclimatization, can influence susceptibility to heat-related illnesses.
Protective Measures for Employees
Employers can take proactive steps to protect employees from the hazards of working in summer heat. Here are some effective strategies and best practices.
Conduct a Heat Stress Risk Assessment
Start by conducting a thorough assessment of heat stress risks in the workplace. Identify areas where employees are exposed to high temperatures, evaluate the intensity and duration of work activities, and consider environmental factors such as humidity and radiant heat. Use this information to develop tailored strategies for mitigating heat stress hazards.
Provide Adequate Training and Education
Ensure that employees receive comprehensive training on recognizing and preventing heat-related illnesses. Train workers to identify the signs and symptoms of heat stress, emphasize the importance of staying hydrated, and educate them on proper heat safety practices, such as taking breaks in shaded areas and wearing appropriate clothing.
Implement Engineering Controls
Implement engineering controls to minimize heat exposure and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Examples include installing shade structures, using cooling fans or misting systems, and providing air-conditioned rest areas or cooling tents where employees can take breaks and hydrate.
Schedule Work Tasks Wisely
Modify work schedules to minimize exposure to peak heat conditions. Schedule strenuous or physically demanding tasks during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are lower. Rotate workers to ensure that no one is exposed to excessive heat for prolonged periods.
Provide Access to Drinking Water
Ensure that employees have access to an adequate supply of cool drinking water throughout the workday. Encourage frequent hydration breaks and remind workers to drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty. Consider providing electrolyte-replacement drinks for employees engaged in heavy physical activity.
Encourage Rest and Recovery
Encourage employees to take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to rest and cool down. Provide rest breaks at least every hour, allowing workers to hydrate, replenish electrolytes, and recover from exertion. Monitor employees for signs of heat stress and intervene promptly if symptoms occur.
Promote Personal Protective Measures
Promote the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to minimize heat exposure and protect against sunburn. Encourage employees to wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers as much skin as possible, along with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Provide access to cooling vests or neck wraps for additional heat relief.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Stay informed about weather forecasts and heat advisories issued by local authorities. Adjust work schedules and activities in response to changing weather conditions, such as extreme heat warnings or heat index values above recommended thresholds. Consider implementing a buddy system or regular check-ins to monitor workers’ well-being and ensure that no one is overlooked.
Monitor Employee Health and Provide First Aid
Train supervisors and designated personnel to monitor employees’ health and recognize early signs of heat-related illnesses. Establish protocols for responding to emergencies and providing first aid, including access to shaded rest areas, cool water, and medical assistance if needed. Encourage employees to report any symptoms of heat stress promptly and take appropriate action to prevent escalation.
Conduct Regular Reviews and Evaluations
Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of heat stress prevention measures in the workplace. Solicit feedback from employees about their experiences and suggestions for improvement. Update policies, procedures, and training materials as needed to address emerging issues or concerns.
Conclusion
Protecting employees working in summer heat requires a proactive and multifaceted approach that addresses environmental, organizational, and individual factors. By conducting risk assessments, providing training and education, implementing engineering controls, scheduling work tasks wisely, and promoting personal protective measures, employers can mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses and create a safer and healthier work environment. By prioritizing employee well-being and safety, organizations demonstrate their commitment to protecting their most valuable asset—their workforce.
UAE Summer Working Law
A company must enforce the requirements for a midday break between 12.30pm and 3.00pm. The requirement began on the 15th June and continues until 15th September. During this time employees are prevented from any sort of duty outside in open areas and employers must provide a clear schedule to inform workers of their daily working hours. Under the decision, daily working hours – for morning, evening or both shifts – are not to exceed eight hours. Any time beyond this would be deemed paid overtime.
The requirements are supported and enforced by The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Any establishment that does not comply with the terms and conditions of the above will be fined AED5,000 per worker, and a maximum of AED50,000 in the case of several workers.
How could working with a Health and Safety Consultant Protect your Employees ?
A consultant specializing in occupational health and safety (OHS) would play a crucial role in protecting employees working in summer heat by providing expertise, guidance, and support to employers. Here’s how a consultant would approach this:
Conducting Health and Safety Risk Assessments
The HSE Consultant would start by conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards and assess the risks associated with working in hot conditions. This includes evaluating factors such as temperature, humidity, sun exposure, physical exertion, and the duration of exposure. By understanding the specific risks present in the workplace, the consultant can develop targeted strategies for mitigating heat-related hazards.
Developing Heat Stress Prevention Plans
Based on the findings of the health and safety risk assessments, the consultant would work with the employer to develop heat stress prevention plans tailored to the needs of the organization. These plans outline measures to minimize heat exposure, prevent heat-related illnesses, and protect employee health and safety. This may include implementing engineering controls, adjusting work schedules, providing access to shade and cooling facilities, and promoting hydration and rest breaks.
Providing Training and Education
The Safety Consultant would provide training and education to employees and supervisors on recognizing, preventing, and responding to heat-related illnesses. This includes raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of heat stress, emphasizing the importance of hydration and rest, and educating workers on heat safety practices. Supervisors may receive additional training on monitoring employees for signs of heat stress and implementing emergency response procedures.
Implementing Engineering Controls
The Safety Consultant would recommend and help implement engineering controls to reduce heat exposure in the workplace. This may include installing shade structures, using cooling fans or misting systems, providing air-conditioned rest areas, and implementing heat-resistant materials and equipment. By engineering out the hazards associated with high temperatures, employers can minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries.
Developing Emergency Response Protocols
In addition to preventive measures, the consultant would work with the employer to develop emergency response protocols for managing heat-related emergencies. This includes establishing procedures for responding to heat-related illnesses, providing first aid and medical assistance, and coordinating with emergency services if needed. By having clear and effective response protocols in place, employers can ensure a timely and appropriate response to heat-related incidents.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The HSE Consultant would assist the employer in implementing systems for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of heat stress prevention measures. This may involve conducting regular inspections, reviewing incident reports, and soliciting feedback from employees. Based on this feedback and data, the consultant can make recommendations for adjustments and improvements to the heat stress prevention program.
Compliance with Regulations and Standards
Finally, the consultant would ensure that the employer complies with relevant OHS regulations and standards related to working in hot conditions. This includes staying up-to-date with regulatory requirements, conducting audits and assessments to ensure compliance, and providing guidance on best practices for heat stress prevention. By adhering to regulatory requirements, employers can minimize legal liabilities and protect the health and safety of their employees.
Overall, an HSE consultant specializing in OHS would play a critical role in protecting employees working in summer heat by providing expert guidance, developing tailored prevention plans, implementing controls and protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulations. By working collaboratively with employers, consultants can help create safer and healthier work environments where employees can perform their jobs safely and effectively, even in hot conditions.
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