A scorching Dubai’s campaign to protect workers from summer’s heat stroke

The workers, a majority of whom are Indians, and their employers in hot Dubai this summer have been advised by the Government there to take care against dehydration that leads to heavy casualties due to heat stroke. Heat stroke happens suddenly and there is usually no time enough to seek treatment. The authorities have since issued pamphlets and posters in order to educate them about the symptoms , treatment and prevention of the condition. In Dubai (West Asia) the summer temperature goes beyond 50 deg C (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

“Maintain Hydration…Minimise Exhaustion,” is the slogan of the posters printed in English and Arabic, while the pamphlets are printed in English, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu.

"Start and end your work with 2 glasses of water even if you are not feeling thirsty," says the medical bulletin which educates the people that huge sweat loss leads to dehydration as it amounts to loss of electrolytes from the body. In all a worker is advised to drink 18 glasses of water and 3 glasses of electrolytes.

The employers too have been advised to ensure shaded area for work, proper ventilation for indoor work, mid-day break, the workmen eat right and eat light, they avoid tea, coffee and cola drinks as also salt tablets and sodium solutions, heavy work schedule is avoided during high heat, first aid for heat exhaustion. In case of heat stress of which initial symptoms are exhaustion, headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion, the victim should be moved to a cool area, fanned and wrapped with wet cloth, and giving water and electrolytes immediately, and the clinic should be informed.

The printout cautions the labourers and others about the behavioural laxity that causes heat stress, and its symptoms, and how to detect heat stress by checking the colour of the urine that will be progressively dark in case one is afflicted.

Therefore, the precaution is ensuring a healthier and safer working environment.

The warning signs of the illness are heat exhaustion, heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea/vomiting and fainting. These, if not taken care of, finally leading to heat stroke and death.

DIRECTIVES TO EMPLOYERS: The authorities have advised the employers to take precautions to protect the workers from the dangers of heat at work. They have been instructed to provide adequate training to all workers on how to prevent heat stress and the Importance of monitoring by oneself and co-workers for symptoms and what to do if one or a co-worker develops the illness at work. The employers must schedule work to minimize heat exposure. Risky, filed work can be scheduled for early morning or late afternoon. Provide constant supply of cool drinking water and hydration liquids. Ensure arrangement of welfare facilities e.g. shaded or well ventilated area for resting, access to wash rooms, etc. Ensure proper arrangement for first aid or medical assistance.

ADVICE TO WORKERS: The workers too have been advised to take precautions. Be physically fit; Stay Hydrated ( 1 cup every 20 minutes) and electrolyte replacement drink (1 cup 2-3 times a day); Avoid oily foods, heavy meals and drinks that contain alcohol or drinks with much caffeine or sugar. Instead, consume more fruits & vegetables; Don't over-exert or push yourself; if you’re getting tired, slow down or work at a steady pace; Take regular breaks in cool or shaded areas; Monitor your physical condition and that of your workers; Report any symptoms or cases of heat rash or stress to superior.

NEW FINDINGS: High temperature combined with humidity leads to excessive sweating in an attempt to cool the body. This can lead to rapid dehydration (excessive loss of body water and important electrolytes). This causes various heat related illnesses and can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke if uncontrolled.

The campaign material explains all the scientific, health details in simple ways. Mostly it is the relative humidity that becomes the killer. It is essential to be aware of the latest finding on heat index. Heat index is an index scientifically prepared chart that shows the cumulative effect of physical temperature and the humidity. It is the perceived equivalent and not the physical temperature. In other words, it is explained as the ‘felt air temperature’ or ‘apparent temperature’. Supposing the temperature is 32 °C (90 °F) and the humidity is 55%, the heat index is calculated at 41 °C (106 °F), and therefore one can only imagine the effective heat of the West Asian deserts.

June 15, 2015