Doha: As temperatures continue to rise during the summer, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has shared several measures to prevent heat illness at work.
The Ministry on its social media accounts has listed tips to protect oneself from the danger of heat exposure in outdoor and indoor areas.
It includes drinking cool water even if not thirsty — at least 1 cup every 20 minutes, taking enough time to recover from heat given the temperature, humidity, and conditions, taking breaks in a designated shady or cool location and to wear a hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting, breathable clothing if possible.
“Monitor yourself and others for signs of heat illness. Change your face covering if it gets wet or soiled. Verbally check on others frequently,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry also mentioned the importance of easing into work, wherein new and returning workers need to build tolerance to heat (acclimatise) and take frequent breaks. It also encouraged everyone to follow the 20% rule.
“On the first day, work no more than 20% of the shift’s duration at full intensity in the heat. Increase the duration of time at full intensity by no more than 20% a day until workers are used to working in the heat,” the Ministry said.
Apart from preventive measures, the Ministry also shared first aid steps and signs of a medical emergency for heat illness. The signs of a medical emergency include abnormal thinking or behaviour, slurred speech, seizures and loss of consciousness
In the event of such occurrence, the Ministry advised citizens and residents to immediately call the emergency service, cool the worker right away with water or ice, and stay with the worker until help arrives. Other signs of heat illness also involve headache or nausea, weakness or dizziness, heavy sweating or hot, dry skin, elevated body temperature, thirst and decreased urine output.
