Mascat: The Ministry of Health has issued general recommendations to prevent heat stress, urging employers to adopt essential safety measures to protect workers from heat-related illnesses during the peak summer months.
The Ministry stressed that employers should adhere to the following recommendations to ensure a Safe Summer without health issues for the workers.
General Recommendations for Preventing Heat Stress:
Smart Work Scheduling:
• Schedule strenuous tasks during early morning or late afternoon hours.
• Workers shall not be employed at construction sites or in open areas exposed to high temperatures during midday hours, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, throughout the months of June, July, and August each year.
Regular Breaks:
• Provide frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Allow a break every 45-60 minutes when working in hot environments
• Ensure hydration supplies are available
Cooling and Ventilation:
• Install air conditioning units or fans in indoor workspaces.
• Lise canopies and portable fans at outdoor sites
• Implement an emergency plan for a heat stress emergency response.
• Train workers to recognize heat stress symptoms and respond appropriately.
• Provide educational materials at worksites such as posters, leaflets, short videos, etc.
• Monitor temperature and humidity of worksite daily.
• Identify high-risk workers such as those with diabetes, heart disease, or those taking diuretics) and prioritize them for preventive measures.
