The Ministry of Labor, along with their partner the National Trading & Pharmaceutical Est. (NTPE), started conducting free film shows all over the UAE to raise the awareness of laborers on heat stress symptoms and precautions. The shows, which will last for 10 days, are part of the ministry's nationwide campaign on midday work ban which started on June 15 to September 15.
The animation films were produced by NTPE in collaboration with the inspection sector of the Guidance Department in the Ministry of Labor. These films help educate laborers on recognizing the symptoms of heat stress and how to apply first aid procedures, in addition to teaching them the precautions that should be taken while working in very hot conditions.
According to the objectives of the campaign, workers are being made aware of the Midday Work Break Rule imposed by the Ministry of Labor. They have also been encouraged to report violations on toll free No. 800665. Posters and brochures printed in Hindi, Urdu, Bangali, Chinese, Malayalam, Telugu and other languages are being distributed to workers on work sites as well as labor camps all over the country.
NTPE, part of NTDE group of companies, has formed teams to coordinate with the Ministry of Labor's inspectors in enhancing the awareness of workers about the midday work break rule in various Emirates. Ms. Snehal Deshpande, Manager of NTPE, pointed out that heat stress is a serious issue that should be considered by companies to preserve the wellbeing of their staff.
She upheld the concerns raised by Mr. Humaid Bin Deemas, Acting Director General of the Ministry of Labor, about the necessity of learning about heat stress and how to avoid them. He said: "Even workers who are not working under direct sun may face the risk of heat stress."
Ms. Deshpande pointed out that people should be aware of the fact that workers who are not working under the sun could also suffer from heat stress when the temperature of the rooms they are sitting in exceeds the temperature of the normal body which usually stands at 36 degree Celsius.
"When humidity is higher than 60%, the body cannot cool itself, and that is why everybody should be aware of the precautions to avoid heat stress. Assuring safety in summer is a collective responsibility of the government as well as of the companies, workers, media and the public," said Deshpande adding that companies are being advised through the campaign to follow safe and best practices for ensuring safety of workers while working under hot conditions. Some leading companies are providing their workers with free PROLYTE drinks as part of its rehydration program.
