Health Authority Abu Dhabi

Safety in the Heat Programme

Darren Joubert
Occupational and Environmental Health
Public Health & Research Dept.
What we will cover

Aim of the Safety in Heat Programme

Impact
What is available
Information for HSE professionals
Assessment of Heat Stress TWL
Control and Prevention of Heat related Illness
Information for Supervisors
Information for Workers Key points
Heat exposure during Ramadan
More information
Conclusion
Aim of the programme:

To raise awareness of the dangers of heat exposure amongst the

target groups and prevention and;

provide support and health promotion materials to raise awareness

of the issue, increase education and training

Support the EHSMS Sector Regulatory Authorities and Entities and

the Ministry of Labour summer initiatives
Target groups

Primary target audience:

Health and Safety Personnel in all Industrial sectors

Secondary target audiences:

Employers, CEOs, Business Owners, Supervisors ;

Heat exposed workers from different language groups
Safety in Heat programme - Impact 2009

465 Companies registered in the programme and received materials

The companies employ 800 000+ workers exposed to heat
In 4500 worksites and 1800 labour camp sites

Number of worksites and labour camps covered

5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
No of Worksites No of Labour Camps
Totals 4460 1794
Reduction in Heat Illness - examples

Company Percentage decrease

A 79.5% decrease in heat
n = 1371 workers related treatment and
emergency cases

B 50% reduction in
51 million man hours serious heat illness
worked in 2009 cases
The programme so far.

Launched on the 20th May 2009 in collaboration with the

Ministry of Labour

Was evaluated in 2010 and some amendments to the graphics

and style were made and additional resources added such as
different language materials and Ramadan posters

Has been re-launched for summer 2011

Is to become part of the Abu Dhabi EHSMS regulatory

framework
What is available?

All companies registered in the programme from anywhere can

download all materials free of charge of the website and print
their own copies

All Abu Dhabi companies are able to collect free materials from
HAAD in hardcopy

Materials includes information for HSE professionals,

supervisors and workers including posters and pamphlets
Wide range of resources available

DVD/CD Sets
Assessment of Heat Stress

The Thermal Work Limit (TWL), which has been validated for
gulf conditions, is the heat stress index that is recommended by
HAAD to enable the safe management of work in heat.

It gives a measure of the maximum safe work rate for the

conditions. If TWL is too low then even low rates of work cannot
safely be carried out continuously.

TWL is calculated from environmental parameters assuming that

workers are well hydrated and acclimatised to the conditions
and are self paced.
Interventions for TWL Zones
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.)
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.
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).
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
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

15
For Workers Key Points to Remember

16
Key point 1Drinking enough water
How do you know?
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).

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.
Key point 2Salt 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
Key point 3Rest 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
Key point 4Heat 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!

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
23
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

15 June 15 September 2011

More Information

www.haad-safe.ae

www.ar.haad-safe.ae
Company Registration Online
FREE Access to Online Resources
Other Free Resources Available
3,017+ cases of heat-related illness seen
at HCFs in Abu Dhabi Emirate, 2010

Heat Related Illness Cases

3500
3017
3000

2500
2025
2000

1500 Heat Related Illness

1000 829

500
122 88
0
HEAT HEAT STROKE HEAT PRICKLY HEAT TOTAL
EXHAUSTION SYNCOPE
Thank you