THE HEAT IS ON

MUSCAT: With the increasing severity of climate change and rising global temperatures, heat stress has become one of the most prominent challenges facing workers' health and productivity, especially in sectors that require work in an open environment, such as construction and agriculture.

The implementation of midday work bans is a preventative measure to reduce these risks and protect the workforce. The Ministry of Labour has imposed a ban on outdoor work during the months of June, July, and August, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, requiring establishments to obtain the necessary permits to avoid violations. Fines for non-compliance can reach RP 1,000, as part of efforts to enhance occupational safety.

Recent studies indicate that heat stress poses a significant health risk, causing more than half a million deaths annually due to heat and dehydration, potentially exposing nearly one billion people to dangerous heat levels in the future, and leading to almost one death every minute globally due to high temperatures.

The health effects of heatstroke and heat stress include severe dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and chronic neurological problems. These effects are more severe for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, workers with low physical fitness, and those with chronic illnesses.

In terms of economic and productivity impacts, heat stress has direct repercussions on the economy and the labour market. More than 2.4 billion workers worldwide are affected, particularly in manual labour sectors. Climate change indicators suggest that 2025 will be among the hottest years on record. The average global temperature has risen by 1.42°C compared to pre-industrial levels, and temperatures exceeding 40–50°C are becoming more common in many regions.

Workers in outdoor environments are among the most vulnerable, along with the elderly, children, low-income individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. To mitigate the risks of heat stress, international and local organisations recommend: developing occupational health policies tailored to the nature of the work and the climate, and strictly enforcing bans on work during peak heat hours. Recent reports confirm that heat stress is no longer a passing condition, but a genuine occupational hazard that can lead to serious complications, including heatstroke, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and in some cases, even death. Data also indicates that new workers and those unaccustomed to high temperatures are the most vulnerable, especially during their first few days on the job.

Heat stress results from a combination of factors, including high temperatures and humidity, intense physical exertion, direct sun exposure, poor ventilation, and insufficient fluid intake.

This negatively impacts not only physical health but also mental performance, leading to decreased concentration and an increased risk of workplace accidents.

In this context, relevant authorities have emphasised the importance of adhering to preventive measures, most notably enforcing the midday work ban in open areas, as one of the most crucial steps to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat. They have also stressed the need to provide a safe working environment that includes adequate rest periods, drinking water, and educating workers on how to recognise and manage the symptoms of heat stress.

Heat stress poses a growing health and economic challenge in the context of climate change, and is no longer confined to specific regions but has become a global phenomenon.

Adhering to preventive measures, most importantly banning work during the midday hours, is essential to protecting workers' health and ensuring continued productivity.

Mitigating the effects of heat stress requires collaborative efforts between governments, employers, and workers, along with the urgent need to implement preventive policies to guarantee a safe and healthy working environment during summer months.