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Health Authority Abu Dhabi

Health Authority Abu Dhabi Safety in the Heat Programme – Practical Interventions to controlling Heat Stress on site. Darren Joubert Occupational and Environmental Health Public Health & Research Dept. Practical Control Solutions.

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Health Authority Abu Dhabi

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  1. Health Authority Abu Dhabi Safety in the Heat Programme – Practical Interventions to controlling Heat Stress on site Darren Joubert Occupational and Environmental Health Public Health & Research Dept.

  2. Practical Control Solutions • Establish and enforce work in heat protocols and procedures • Inform and train workers and supervisors to recognize heat stress symptoms and to control heat exposure. • Training should be conducted in a language understood by the worker and should include: • How the body overheats, • symptoms of heat illness, • acclimatization, • work pacing and • the importance of rest breaks and affects of clothing • Implement First-Aid measures for heat-related disorders • Encouraging good hydration (drinking 2 litres of water every 2-3 hours, drinking on the bus before work etc.)

  3. Provision of preventative measures • Provide workers with adequate amounts of drinking water close to the workplace and if possible electrolyte replacement drinks. Programmed drinking every hour can be implemented to encourage adequate fluid intake. • Provide workers with appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment where applicable including a large personal water container (of at least 1-2 litres in size). • Allow workers to self pace where applicable and take rests when they can to cool down.

  4. Acclimatisation and medical issues • Allow non-acclimatized workers (new arrivals or workers returning from vacation) time to acclimatize for 5-7 days before starting hard work in a hot environment in summer. • Before working in hot conditions, pre-placement training (safety induction) should be given. • Provide medical clearance for work in heat for any person with a chronic medical condition (e.g. high blood pressure, obesity) or requiring the use of certain prescription drugs (consult a doctor).

  5. Engineering controls • Insulation of ceilings to minimize solar heat transfer • Providing shaded work areas • Providing cooled and air-conditioned rest areas with water or electrolyte drinks available • Using exhaust ventilation such as extraction hoods above heat-generating processes like a furnace or oven to remove heat • Using forced air-ventilation such as fans to increase airflow across the skin and increase evaporation and cooling • Using cooled air from an air-conditioning system

  6. For Supervisors… • Information pamphlets in different languages covering: • What happens to the body when it is exposed to heat • How heat exposure affects a worker – symptoms • Prevention of Heat Illness – What you as a supervisor should do

  7. For Workers – Key Points to Remember

  8. Key point 1…Drinking enough water

  9. How do you know?

  10. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER…… • To Come to work fully hydrated (drink plenty of water before you get to work at least 1 Litre). • To Drink plenty of water during the shift at least 2 litres every 2-3 hours in summer (or rehydration fluid approved by the employer one to one). • To Drink water regularly and make it a way of life. • Remind them if they drink water only when thirsty it is too late. • To Carry a water container with you of at least 1-2 litres to fill regularly.

  11. Key point 2…Salt Replacement • POINTS to REMEMBER: • If electrolyte replacement drinks are provided there is no need to add extra salt to your meals • If someone has high blood pressure they should be checked by a doctor before working in heat or increasing salt intake • If electrolyte drinks are consumed then they should alternate with a drink of water one to one over the day

  12. Key point 3…Rest and Recovery Self-pace work – do not push beyond the bodies limits. Allow time at night to recover from the heat stress during the day Provide a well balanced health diet to help the body to recover – avoid coffee, cola and high sugar and fatty foods

  13. Key point 4…Heat Illness Signs of Heat Illness: Encourage the reporting of all signs of heat illness to the supervisor (feeling faint, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, cramps). REMEMBER: HEAT ILLNESS CAN KILL SO BE AWARE!

  14. What to do during Ramadan…. • POINTS to REMEMBER: • Try avoid heat exposure as much as possible during Ramadan • Monitor for signs of heat illness such as skin rashes, dizziness, headaches • Start the day well hydrated – for Suhoor with your meal eat fruits, vegetables and drink plenty of water and unsweetened fruit juice • Avoid salty foods at Suhoor • Drink water and fruit juices at Iftar before eating • Avoid strenuous activity and rest in a cool place where possible

  15. Responsibilities of Employers • Heat exposure and heat stroke can be fatal if proper controls are not implemented. • Employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health of their workers as stipulated by the UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980). • Follow the Ministry of Labour Ministerial Resolution 587 for the midday break in summer Tentative dates: 15 June – 15 September 2011 To be confirmed by Ministry of Labour

  16. 3,017+ cases of heat-related illness seen at HCFs in Abu Dhabi Emirate, 2010

  17. Thank you

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