2023 was the warmest year since records began in 1850 by a wide margin*. The upward trend in the globally averaged temperature shows that more areas are warming than cooling. 

Douglas OHI’s HSE Team in Abu Dhabi conducted a comprehensive heat stress awareness campaign. The initiative aims to educate the workforce on the dangers of heat stress and the importance of effective management in high-temperature workplaces.

Heat stress occurs when the body’s natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, are overwhelmed by excessive heat, leading to dangerous body temperature increases. This can result in various heat-related illnesses, ranging from mild conditions like heat rash and cramps to severe issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Recognising symptoms such as excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and confusion is crucial for timely intervention. In extreme cases, heat stroke can cause high body temperature, lack of sweating, rapid heartbeat, and unconsciousness.

The campaign underscored the importance of preventive and control measures. These include engineering controls like ventilation, shading, and cooling fans, as well as administrative controls such as scheduling strenuous tasks during cooler times and implementing work-rest cycles. Personal protective equipment, such as lightweight and breathable clothing and hats, was also highlighted.

A key component of the campaign was the demonstration of Thermal Work Limit (TWL) monitoring, a scientific method that assesses heat stress by evaluating air temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and air movement. This helps determine safe work durations and intensity levels. Regular monitoring of environmental conditions and workers’ physiological responses, along with effective communication of these risks, ensures workers are well-informed and can take necessary precautions.

The campaign also emphasised acclimatisation programs, which help workers gradually adjust to hot conditions, and a flag system that uses coloured flags or signs to indicate heat stress levels and appropriate actions. Additionally, monitoring hydration levels through urine colour was discussed, with light-coloured urine indicating adequate hydration and dark urine suggesting dehydration.

Preparedness for emergencies was another focal point, stressing the need for shaded rest areas, first aid kits, and trained personnel to promptly respond to heat-related emergencies. The campaign concluded with pocket-sized handouts detailing rehydration and work/rest schedules.

For more information on this or other HSE campaigns, please email hsse@douglasohi.com.

*Reference: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Monthly Global Climate Report for Annual 2023, published online January 2024, retrieved on June 24, 2024, from NOAA NCEI.