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 to recognise early signs of heat illness is critical. Early intervention can prevent a medical emergency and long-term health consequences. By fostering a culture of heat awareness and encouraging frequent hydration and breaks during peak temperatures, organisations can empower their workforce to stay healthy and safe.
“It is also important for organisations to be able to distinguish the different stages of heat-related illness. Heatstroke, the most severe heat illness, is a medical emergency. Without prompt medical attention, it can lead to lasting disability or even death. Symptoms include a core body temperature exceeding 40°C, nausea and/or vomiting, confusion and seizures. Recognising the early signs of heat stress, such as sweating, dizziness, headache and cramps, allows swift intervention to prevent escalation to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”
International SOS Al-Rushaid offers guidelines for organisations to mitigate workforce health risks of extreme heat events:
1- Conduct heat-specific risk assessments: regularly assess your operations for potential heat stress hazards. Identify high-risk locations and activities and consider vulnerable employee profiles, including those with pre-existing health conditions or who perform strenuous outdoor work.
2- Integrate heat safety into health and safety policies: make heat stress prevention a core component of your health and safety policies. Ensure workers have access to shaded areas for breaks, hydration stations to keep hydrated and allow for breathable workwear suitable for high temperatures.
3- Provide heat stress awareness and prevention training: deliver climate-specific training programmes that focus on working safely in extreme heat. Educate employees on proper hydration practices and sun protection measures and enable them to adjust their work pace during high temperatures. Train employees to recognise heat stress symptoms and provide clear protocols for hydration, rest breaks and cooling down.
4- Develop robust heat response protocols: develop well-defined procedures for responding to heat-related illnesses, including first aid and emergency evacuation. Communicate these protocols effectively and ensure your workforce knows who to contact in case of a heat emergency.
5- Continuously review and update your response plans: conduct regular reviews of your organisation’s heat response plans to ensure they reflect the latest information and best practices for heat safety.
