HAAD launches 'Safety in the Heat' program

A program to create awareness of and enhance the health and safety of workers in the Abu Dhabi Emirate who are exposed to high temperatures and humidity during the summer months.

"Heat-related illness is one of our most important occupational health problems in the summer months, and also impacts on safety causing a higher incidence of accidents and injuries amongst those affected by the heat,"

said H.E. Zaid D. Al Siksek, HAAD Chief Executive Officer.

The 'Safety in the Heat' Program will support employers through offering a comprehensive package of educational and awareness materials. The Program focuses on the prevention of heat illness particularly through ensuring effective hydration, and introduces the Thermal Work Limit (TWL) as the recommended heat stress index for assessing working conditions and management of thermal risk.

The Program's materials have been developed based on research by the UAE University and an Australian University sponsored by HAAD and carried out in the UAE over the past two years with the collaboration of several local companies. These studies have documented environmental conditions in a variety of workplaces and the physiological responses of workers in these conditions ensuring that the 'Safety in the Heat' recommendations are applicable to workers in Abu Dhabi and the GCC region.

The 'Safety in the Heat' Program is badged with the HeatSafe umbrella logo, symbolising the protection of exposed workers from heat stress. "We have a shared concern and responsibility to ensure the welfare of our workers," added Mr. Al Siksek. This Program will offer workers in all industries the protection of the 'HeatSafe umbrella'. Buildsafe UAE is also a supporter of the program for implementation in the construction industry.