Addressing Heat-Related Risks in Saudi Arabia
As global temperatures continue to rise, the urgency to address heat-related risks in the workplace has never been more critical, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia. Dr Shane Stockil, Medical Manager, International SOS – Al Rushaid, said the heatwaves are one of the deadliest natural hazards that can cause multiple casualties. Continuous exposure to intense heatwaves can pose serious health and safety issues to people, especially labourers who work outdoors. When it comes to Saudi Arabia, where temperature soars to extreme levels during the summer, workers face serious health impacts such as heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. This can often lead to long-term consequences, including organ damage or even death. Furthermore, extreme heat can substantially bring down workers’ productivity and cognitive functions. It also raises the possibility of workplace accidents due to fatigue, lack of alertness, and preventative measures. Protecting workers from lethal heatwaves proves to be a vital step for companies to create a safe and efficient working environment.
There is undoubtedly a need to address these health-related issues more frequently as summer gets harsher every year, especially considering the record-breaking heatwave we witnessed in April 2024. The current climate patterns underscore that it can no longer be seen as a rare anomaly but as a new normal. This severity has also created an urgency for businesses to equip themselves to ensure the protection of their workers and deploy long-term strategies to mitigate heat-related disruptions. Extreme weather is going to have a significant impact on workers and industries, so businesses must focus on managing heat stress and establish comprehensive strategies to safeguard employees while continuing operations.
Amid this extreme weather condition in Saudi Arabia, we at International SOS Al-Rushaid are taking significant steps in supporting companies in the country to address heat-related health and safety risks. Our teams are well-equipped to offer comprehensive health, security risk management, and wellbeing solutions tailored to address various heat-related challenges. By conducting heat-specific risk assessments, providing training programs on heat stress prevention, and creating robust response protocols for heat-related emergencies, we enable companies to build resilience against unanticipated challenges. We ensure the availability of vital tools and knowledge for businesses to protect their workforce from the dangers of extreme heat, thus boosting overall productivity and safety.
In the Kingdom, which faces extreme summers, fostering a culture of heat awareness within an organisation benefits employees by promoting their health, safety, and wellbeing. It encourages individuals to take preventative actions like drinking enough water, taking breaks in cool places, and rearranging work schedules to avoid the hottest times of the day. This culture benefits the companies by lowering health risks, reducing heat-related events, and maintaining productivity. When employees feel safe and cared for, they develop a sense of loyalty, commitment, and motivation, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention. Furthermore, a safe and secure workplace aids in improving the company’s reputation as an ideal employer and business partner. Prioritising heat awareness ultimately results in a workforce that is safer and more resilient, further paving the way for the long-term success of the company.
Our partnership with Al-Rushaid Group has been a major step towards our goal of blending extensive local knowledge and experience with international health and safety competence. Through this joint venture, we can provide distinctive and comprehensive medical services solutions that cater to the particular needs of clients across the nation. From conducting detailed heat risk assessments to implementing advanced safety measures and training programs, our combined resources have helped offer integrated and effective support for our vast clientele. This partnership guarantees that our clients get access to the best possible support and guidance to overcome the difficulties caused by intense heat, protecting their employees and business operations in the process.
