Health Authority Abu DhabiSafety in the Heat Programme Darren JoubertOccupational and Environmental HealthPublic Health & Research Dept. 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 ConclusionWhat we will coverAim 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 groupsPrimary 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 sitesNo of Worksites No of Labour CampsTotals 4460 17940500100015002000250030003500400045005000Number of worksites and labour camps coveredReduction in Heat Illness - examples Company Percentage decreaseA n = 1371 workers79.5% decrease in heat related treatment and emergency casesB 51 million man hours worked in 200950% reduction in serious heat illness casesThe programme so far. Launched on the 20thMay 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 frameworkWhat 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 pamphletsWide range of resources availableDVD/CD SetsAssessment 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 ZonesPractical 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 cooling15For SupervisorsInformation 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 do16For Workers Key Points to RememberKey point 1Drinking enough waterHow 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 litresevery 2-3 hours in summer (or rehydration fluid approved by the employer one to one). Remind them if they drink water only whenthirsty it is too late. To carry a water container with you of at least 1-2 litresto fill regularly.Key point 2Salt ReplacementPOINTS 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 dayKey point 3Rest and RecoverySelf-pace work do not push beyond the bodies limits.Allow time at night to recover from the heat stress during the dayProvide a well balanced health diet to help the body to recover avoid coffee, cola and high sugar and fatty foodsKey point 4Heat IllnessSigns 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!23What 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 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 summer15 June 15 September 2011More Informationwww.haad-safe.aewww.ar.haad-safe.aeCompany Registration OnlineFREE Access to Online ResourcesOther Free Resources Available3,017+ cases of heat-related illness seen at HCFs in Abu Dhabi Emirate, 2010 20251228882930170500100015002000250030003500HEAT EXHAUSTIONHEAT STROKE HEAT SYNCOPEPRICKLY HEAT TOTALHeat Related Illness CasesHeat Related IllnessThank you