Summer Safety Tips: UAE Construction - Read Now

The scorching GCC summers present a significant challenge for construction professionals working outdoors. With temperatures routinely exceeding 40°C in the UAE, and the region as a whole, staying cool and hydrated becomes paramount to preventing heat-related illnesses. In this blog, we’ll briefly discuss the local government’s essential safety precautions and recommendations to keep workers safe during the hottest months.

Understanding Regulations and Worker Rights

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) enforces a crucial midday break regulation to protect workers from the harshest heat. From June 15th to September 15th, all outdoor labor must cease between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. During this mandated break period, employers are legally obligated to provide shaded areas and cooling equipment for workers. Companies failing to comply face hefty fines as the ministry will be monitoring the level of compliance through different channels.

Employer Responsibilities:

Employers have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure worker safety during extreme heat. Here's a breakdown of key actions to implement as part of the necessary multi-pronged approach recommended by local authorities:

• Heat Stress Risk Assessment:

Identify areas with high heat exposure and develop mitigation plans. This might involve adjusting work schedules, providing cooling stations, or using alternative materials.

• Engineering Controls:

Provide shade tents, cooling fans, air-conditioning in rest areas, misting stations, and explore radiant barriers to reduce worksite temperature.

• Hydration:

Ensure readily available cool, potable water throughout the day with insulated coolers conveniently positioned. Consider electrolyte drinks for heavy sweating.

• Worker Education:

Train workers on heat illness symptoms, proper hydration techniques, safe work practices, recognizing early warning signs, self-pacing, proper PPE use, dangers of alcohol and caffeine, and the importance of breaks.

• Work Schedule:

Prioritize outdoor work for cooler morning and evening hours. Reschedule non-essential tasks involving high heat exposure for cooler times.

• Appropriate Clothing:

Encourage workers to wear lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton. Long sleeves and pants can minimize sun exposure while allowing for air circulation. Offer high-visibility vests made of breathable materials.

• Monitor Worker Health:

Train supervisors to identify signs of heat stress and heat-related illnesses. Encourage workers to communicate any discomfort. Provide immediate medical attention if needed.

Planning and Communication

• Pre-Shift Planning:

Managers should plan work activities considering the heat stress risk and schedule demanding tasks for cooler hours.

• Open Communication:

Encourage workers to communicate any discomfort or concerns about working conditions. Supervisors should be readily available to address those concerns.

Emergency Preparedness

• Heat Illness Emergency Response Plan

Develop a plan outlining procedures for identifying heat illness symptoms, providing first aid, and contacting emergency medical services.

• Worker and Supervisor Training

Ensure everyone is familiar with the emergency response plan and how to administer basic first aid for heat-related illnesses.

• First-Aid Kit

Maintain a well-stocked first-aid kit readily available on the worksite, including supplies for treating heat-related illnesses.

It is also important to note that ensuring the heavy machinery used for your projects remains cool, which offers a two-fold benefit. This ensures workers safety on the job site, as well as preserves your uptime by helping prevent unnecessary breakdowns. You can read more on this topic in our “6 Quick Tips to Keep Your Machine Cool this Summer” blog.