Latest news with #outdoorwork
CNA
4 days ago
- Climate
- CNA
Heat stress: Land transport infrastructure sector employers urged to adopt heat measures
Authorities are urging the land transport infrastructure sector to step up heat-stress management, as temperatures rise with climate change. Their latest guidelines build on earlier measures for outdoor work, and cover workers involved in road works and related activities. Professor Marcus Ong, Senior Consultant at the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Singapore General Hospital, examines if these measures are enough. He also puts forward his own proposed recommendations.
Zawya
06-08-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Midday work ban compliance reaches 99.96% in Bahrain
Bahrain - An annual midday ban on outdoor work during the hot summer months has seen 99.96 per cent compliance by companies, according to a Labour Ministry official. Only six violations were registered after more than 17,600 inspections of worksites and other locations across the kingdom, said labour relations assistant under-secretary Aqeel Abuhussain. The ban on outdoor work between noon and 4pm which started on June 15 will continue until September 15. During the four-hour period, it is prohibited to engage workers in direct sunlight or open areas. This is the first time the ban has extended to three months, from the previous two months. Bahrain enforces this ban in line with international labour standards to enhance the protection of workers from occupational illnesses and injuries during the peak of summer, when temperatures and humidity levels are high. Mr Abuhussain, in a statement yesterday, praised the efforts of the private sector for achieving a high compliance rate of adhering to the ban. Mr Abuhussain 'The compliance rate to the midday work ban has so far reached 99.96pc,' he said. 'The outdoor work ban prohibits workers from being exposed to the sun during the set working hours. 'This high level of compliance that we have reached reflects the effective partnership between the ministry and employers to ensure a safe working environment for workers.' The official added that Bahrain remained committed to international labour standards that protect the rights and safety of workers. 'The ministry's inspection team has so far detected only six violations and the number of workers affected was 12, while a total of 17,605 inspection visits were conducted so far,' said Mr Abuhussain. 'The awareness level among employees and employers to adhere to the ban remains high; the ban protects workers from heat-related illness and occupational injuries and also improves their productivity.' Violators are liable to be imprisoned for up to three months and/or fined between BD500 and BD1,000. The ministry has also opened a hotline, 32265727, for the public to report any violations observed during the midday work ban period. The GDN previously reported that a report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) stated that Bahrain would be the second Arab nation most affected by heat stress resulting in loss of working hours by 2030. An awareness post by the Labour Ministry about the ongoing annual summer ban on outdoor work Rising heat due to climate change could lead to the loss of 80 million jobs by 2030 with people being unable to work due to the health risks posed by higher temperatures, said the report, 'Working on a Warmer Planet: The Impact of Heat Stress on Labour Productivity and Decent Work'. Heat stress occurs when the body absorbs more heat than is tolerable. It generally occurs at temperatures above 35C, accompanied by high humidity. Extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and exhaustion, increase mortality and worsen existing health conditions. The report stated that in 1995 Qatar and Bahrain lost, respectively, 2.3pc and 1.9pc, of working hours (the equivalent of 6,600 and 4,600 full-time jobs) as a result of heat stress. Projections for 2030 suggest that this percentage will more than double in both Qatar and Bahrain, reaching 5.3pc and 4.1pc, respectively. Working hours lost to heat stress in the agriculture and construction sectors in Bahrain is projected to be around 9.5pc by 2030 compared with 5.8pc in 1995. Overall, Bahrain will lose 4.1pc working hours due to heat stress by 2030 which, the report indicated, was equivalent to about 32,000 jobs. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Washington Post
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Washington Post
European heat wave closes Eiffel Tower's top floor and bakes Wimbledon
In Paris, blistering heat led the Eiffel Tower to close its summit and remind prospective visitors to take precautions. In London, the Wimbledon tennis tournament saw its hottest opening day on record, with temperatures climbing above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Farther south, Italy expanded its ban on outdoor work in the afternoon as the country contends with extreme heat. And in Brussels, the Atomium monument, with its distinctive stainless steel spheres, limited its hours to close earlier than usual due to scorching temperatures.
Khaleej Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Midday break: UAE announces outdoor work ban starting June 15
The UAE will enforce a ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12.30pm to 3pm daily for three months, starting June 15. This midday break initiative, introduced to protect workers during the country's peak summer heat, is now in its 21st year. Under the scheme, workers will be given a break from outdoor work during the hottest part of the day until September 15. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will monitor compliance through its inspection systems to ensure that no workers are made to work during the prohibited hours. Companies found violating the rule face a fine of Dh5,000 per worker, up to a maximum of Dh50,000 if multiple workers are involved.
