ADM Holds Workshop On Protecting Workers From Heat Stress

ADM holds workshop on protecting workers from heat stress

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality, ADM, has held a workshop aimed at educating workers, contractors, consultants and developers in the building and construction sector about the risks of heat stress and the means of protecting against it.

ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 11th Jul, 2018) The Abu Dhabi City Municipality, ADM, has held a workshop aimed at educating workers, contractors, consultants and developers in the building and construction sector about the risks of heat stress and the means of protecting against it.

About 300 people attended the workshop, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities to raise the awareness of all parties engaged in the management of construction sites.

It also prompted environment, health and safety specialists to shoulder their responsibilities in implementing and monitoring the compliance with the Midday Work Ban Decision and provided the means that ensure the safety and protection of workers from direct sunlight or heat stress due to the soaring temperatures.

The workshop also sought to give information on taking appropriate measures and familiarisation with the needs of administering the heat-stress programme by business owners and foremen to ensure workers are protected from heat and its adverse impacts on human health. This requirement was in line with the Midday Work Ban Law issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in the UAE, which prohibits performing jobs under direct sunlight in open areas from 12:30 to 15:00 over three months from 15th June to 15th September.

The municipality is keen on educating workers doing jobs under direct sunlight, especially in summer, as they are vulnerable to several diseases and occupational injuries such as sunstroke, heat exhaustion, fainting, cramping and rash. High temperatures can also lead to injuries among workers, particularly among those working outdoors - construction workers, cleaners, farm workers. Accordingly, employers must take necessary measures to protect employees from heat stress by offering them breaks, constant water supply, and shaded areas.

These awareness workshops are held in cooperation and partnership with the Abu Dhabi Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, OSHAD, and the awareness programmes will continue until 15th September. During the inspection tours, the team of the Environment, Health and Safety Division at the municipality distributed leaflets and publications to all construction sites. It has also distributed 5,000 printed educational leaflets and construction entities collected such publications. The municipality’s campaign continues on social media channels.

At the end of the event, the municipality honoured outstanding entities in recognition of their efforts in securing the health and safety of workers at construction sites.