Latest news with #SafeSummer
Observer
3 days ago
- Climate
- Observer
Oman among the hottest places on earth in the past 24 hours
Muscat: Oman has ranked among the top 10 hottest locations on Earth over the past 24 hours, according to data from Eldorado Weather, a global weather monitoring platform. The coastal town of Bidiya recorded a searing 46.3°C, placing it sixth globally, while Al Mudhaibi followed closely with 45.9°C, ranking ninth. These soaring temperatures reflect the intense heatwave currently gripping the Arabian Peninsula and parts of South Asia. Topping the global list was Bandar-e-Dayyer in Iran, where temperatures reached a blistering 47.4°C. This was followed by the Pakistani cities of Jacobabad and Sibi, both recording highs of 47°C. The Middle East and South Asia accounted for 11 of the 15 hottest places globally. Iran dominated with five entries, followed by Pakistan (four), Iraq (three), Oman (two), and Saudi Arabia (one), underscoring the widespread nature of the heatwave across the region. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Oman's Ministry of Labour has reminded employers to comply with the mandatory midday break regulation, which comes into force today, June 1. As stipulated under Article 16, Clause 2 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, outdoor work is prohibited between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm during June, July and August. The Ministry reaffirmed that the rule applies to all workers operating in open areas, including construction sites and other high-temperature environments. Violators will face strict enforcement measures to ensure worker safety. As part of its proactive approach, the Ministry recently launched the Safe Summer campaign, aimed at raising awareness among employers and employees about the importance of occupational safety during the hot season. The campaign is spearheaded by the Ministry's Occupational Safety and Health Department. A Ministry spokesperson stated, 'Every year, from June 1 to August 31, it is strictly prohibited to employ workers in direct sunlight or outdoor areas without adequate shade. This measure is crucial to safeguarding workers from heat-related illnesses and ensuring a safe working environment.' Although current temperature data does not include year-on-year comparisons, climate experts continue to warn of the growing frequency and severity of heatwaves in the Arabian Peninsula. This trend aligns with global climate change projections, which show that the Middle East is warming at nearly twice the global average rate. In a stark contrast that illustrates the planet's climatic extremes, while Iran recorded the hottest temperature at 47.4°C, Antarctica's Vostok station registered a frigid -70.8°C in the same 24-hour period—a remarkable 118.2°C difference between the hottest and coldest places on Earth.
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Midday break effective today
The Ministry of Labour has urged all employers to strictly adhere to the midday break, which is effective from today, June 1, in line with Article 16, Clause 2 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations. The Ministry has reiterated that it is prohibited to employ workers at construction sites or in areas exposed to high temperatures from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm during the months of June, July and August. Earlier, the Ministry launched the 'Safe Summer' campaign to educate both employers and employees on the importance of taking a break from the summer heat for their health and safety through its Occupational Safety and Health Department. "Every year, it is prohibited to employ workers outside shaded areas or in places directly exposed to the sun from June 1 to August 31 when temperatures rise to high levels. Stringent measures will be taken against violators of the midday break rule to ensure its implementation at all outdoor work premises", a Ministry spokesperson said. According to Section 118 of the Labour Law, anyone who violates the midday break law shall be punished with a fine ranging from RO 100 to 500 or imprisonment of up to one month, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. Last year, several companies were punished for Labour Law violations; and fines and legal proceedings were initiated against companies that did not fully adhere to the three-month noon break. The Ministry has urged all construction, facilities management, maintenance and other sites where people work in open areas to allow labourers a break from work between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm during the three months as per ministerial orders. Heat stress is a common issue in Oman, especially during the summer months when temperatures rise significantly. The Ministry further calls on all private sector establishments to cooperate and adhere to the regulation, emphasising that the campaign is part of its broader efforts to enhance a safe work environment and reduce heat-related injuries.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Deer Creek middle school students ride into last day on horses
EDMOND, Okla. (KFOR) – School is out for Deer Creek public schools and two middle school students decided to 'giddy up' and ride to their last day on horseback. In rural Oklahoma, horses on the road may not be a rare sight. However, in North Edmond, it was definitely turning heads. 'We ride horses. It's our passion, let's just go do it,' said Emery Smith. 'I was like, 'Okay, we're actually going through with it,' said Sierra Woods. LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma prosecutors kick off 'Safe Kids, Safe Summer' campaign The trailblazing teens, Sierra Woods and Emery Smith, have been riding horses since they could walk. They have the trophies to prove it. So, what better way to ride out of their middle school years than on a horse? 'The biggest problem we thought we were going to have was cars honking at us because that scares the horses,' said Smith. The idea came from a youtube video. However, Woods' dad wasn't too thrilled at first. 'At first I'm like, 'Kiddo, that's five miles,'' said Britt Woods. However, Britt Woods said Callie and Chaos aren't just safe horses, they're family. 'I would trust Callie bareback on I-35,' said Woods. 'That's been her best friend and her babysitter we got her right after she lost her mom to cancer.' The route was carefully thought out to avoid traffic. It took a little longer, but it was safe. The two girls got up around 4 a.m. to get ready and hit the trail around 7 a.m. 'We left my house and were like, 'Okay, we're actually doing this.' And we got down the road one mile, then two miles, then three miles,' said Woods. When they crossed the finish line, dad was there with the trailer in tow to take Callie and Chaos back home. While getting ready for the ride, the two girls had a feeling. 'We were sitting there like laughing and just like talking about how it would be if we told this story to our kids. And we were basically like, 'What if we get on the news?'' said Woods. As soon as News 4 caught word, we pulled up to the school, after asking permission of course. LOCAL NEWS: 37,000 pounds of clothing donated to those in need 'I got a text from my mom saying, 'Emery they're here, they're here, they're here.' And I was like, 'Who's here?' and she said, 'The news!'' said Smith. These two cowgirls won't be taking the summer off just to horse around, they have winning in mind. 'I have world nationals in two weeks and I have a big memorial show this weekend,' said Woods. 'I'll be at worlds the whole month of June,' said Smith. The two friends left behind a legacy before entering high school. 'it's a good way to leave a school,' said Britt Woods. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Oklahoma prosecutors kick off ‘Safe Kids, Safe Summer' campaign
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association (ODAA) prosecutors are launching 'Safe Kids, Safe Summer' as a seasonal initiative protecting Oklahoma children as the summer begins. According to ODDA, the initiative falls under its umbrella of Year of the Child 2025 awareness campaign highlighting risks children face during summer months and share safety reminders with parents, caregivers, and communities. 'Every child deserves a safe summer,' said District Attorney Jack Thorp, president of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association. 'We've seen firsthand the kinds of harm that can happen when no one's watching—a child left in a hot car, a teen who took a counterfeit pill, or a kid who met someone dangerous online. Awareness can make the difference.' Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins 2024-2025 NBA MVP, third Thunder player to win the award Summer brings increased risk in several areas: Fentanyl and counterfeit pills posing dangers to teens Heat-related incidents, including children left in vehicles Online exploitation and increased screen time Distracted and impaired driving Reduced supervision leading to injury or neglect Safe Kids, Safe Summer is a yearlong awareness initiative focusing its message on protecting Oklahoma children through social media and conversations with community partners, says ODAA. 'Prosecutors have a unique perspective on what can go wrong—and what could've prevented it,' said Thorp. 'This effort is about sharing that perspective and supporting the work already happening in our communities.' For more information click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Gulf Insider
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Oman Announces Summer Midday Breaks For Worker Safety
Oman's Ministry of Labour has announced a ban on outdoor work during peak midday hours from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, effective June through August, to protect workers from heat-related risks. According to the Oman Times , the regulation—outlined in Article (16), Clause (2) of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations—applies to construction sites and other open areas exposed to high temperatures. The Ministry also launched a Safe Summer campaign to raise awareness about heat stress and the importance of adhering to the midday work stoppage. Private sector companies are urged to comply with the rule to ensure worker safety. نظمت #وزارة_العمل ممثلة بدائرة السلامة والصحة المهنية، حملة #صيف_آمن ، والتي تهدف إلى توعية العاملين وأصحاب العمل بمخاطر الإجهاد الحراري خلال فصل الصيف، وضرورة اتخاذ التدابير الوقائية للحفاظ على صحة وسلامة العاملين، خصوصًا في مواقع العمل المكشوفة والمعرضة لأشعة الشمس المباشرة. — وزارة العمل -سلطنة عُمان (@Labour_OMAN) May 18, 2025 The announcement comes as Oman experiences severe heatwaves. On Sunday: Qurayat recorded 48.6°C Al Ashkarah saw 47.2°C Sur and Awabi reported 46.4°C and 45.6°C respectively The Oman Meteorology Department has warned of further temperature spikes, especially in North & South Batinah, Dhahirah, North Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta regions. Medical experts have advised residents to avoid direct sun exposure and stay indoors during peak heat hours to prevent heatstroke and related illnesses.
