Latest news with #summersafety
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
‘Do it immediately': Ray Hadley lashes out at shark net madness
Premier Chris Minns must act now to stop the removal of shark nets from Sydney beaches ahead of the summer season, starting September 1. Three councils, Waverley, Northern Beaches and Central Coast, have been given the option to trial one beach each without a shark net. The Greens are being blamed, but Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna says he was not involved in the decision: 'That decision was taken by the administrator. We don't want to remove shark nets from our beaches'. He said people travelled to the area specifically because of the safety of its beaches. So who is playing Russian roulette with swimmers and surfers? According to McKinna, it's the Minns Labor government - and particularly the left faction led by Upper House MP Penny Sharpe. Chris Minns, with a stroke of the pen, you can stop this. You can say: 'No, the nets are staying'. If there is a shark attack on one of these beaches next summer after the nets are removed, the blame will fall squarely on your shoulders. Pick up the pen. Do it. You must act immediately.
The National
22-07-2025
- Climate
- The National
Peak summer brings heat warning for outdoor workers and the elderly in the UAE
As the UAE braces for one of the hottest spells of the summer, doctors are offering advice on how to stay safe as the temperature edges towards 50°C. Hot and humid conditions at the height of summer are nothing new, but with winds picking up dust and sand, air quality can make it a difficult time to be outdoors. Most will choose the sanctuary of working in an air-conditioned area but for those with little option but to spend time outside this summer, health professionals have called for caution. 'This week's high temperatures, increased dust levels and humidity in Dubai can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those with respiratory or heart conditions,' Dr Mohamed Shafeeq, an internal medicine specialist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, Dubai, told The National. 'To stay safe, it is advised to remain indoors during peak heat hours of 11am until 4pm, stay well hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Those with asthma or other respiratory issues should limit dust exposure and keep their medication on hand.' Symptoms to spot Common signs of heat or respiratory stress include dizziness, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, fatigue and chest discomfort. Any signs of heat stroke should be followed up with medical attention. 'These symptoms should not be ignored and medical attention should be sought promptly if they arise,' said Dr Shafeeq. 'Maintaining basic preventive measures during extreme weather is essential for protecting personal health and preventing avoidable complications. Public awareness and early action can make a significant difference. 'Special care should be taken with infants and the elderly, as they may not communicate symptoms clearly, and try to check on neighbours or family members who live alone. Employers should also ensure outdoor staff are given regular breaks, shade and water.' Since June 15, employers have been told to restrict their workers' exposure to heat, by limiting their time outdoors. Hot weather protocols have been in place during peak summer since 2004, under an initiative by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to keep people safe in the workplace. The directive runs until September 15, prohibiting work in direct sunlight or open air spaces from 12.30pm until 3pm. Ageing populations The number of people exposed to extreme heat around the world is growing year-on-year, the World Health Organisation says. In those over 65, a group vulnerable to heat illness, the number of older people dying from heat-related complications increased 85 per cent between 2000-2004 an 2017-2021. Physiological factors such as age and health status have a major effect on heat vulnerability. More people living longer into old age has put more at risk from heath complications associated with heatwaves, defined as a period where localised excess heat accumulates over a sequence of unusually hot days and nights. Dr Deepak Gopal Dube, a specialist of internal medicine at International Modern Hospital, said heat stroke can be life threatening. 'Heat-related conditions can be anything from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and then the more severe heat stroke, which is a life-threatening condition,' he said. 'We see heat-related illnesses particularly in people who are exposed in industries in a closed environment with a lot of heat inside, and of course those working outdoors. 'These people should be very careful regarding their prolonged heat exposure, if they are older there is an even greater risk of a stroke.' Dr Dube said regular rest stops away from direct sun can give the body an opportunity to cool down with ice packs and fluids. 'Workers exposed to the heat we are seeing currently should have intermittent rest periods, where every 30 to 45 minutes they should go to a cool place and get some hydration before resuming work,' he said. 'That can at least prevent any heat-related issues. We are getting into peak season now for temperatures, and it is likely to last until at least September so people should know the risks and take precautions.'
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Restaurateur Mother Wade talks to Chicago kids about opportunities, staying engaged
Famed restaurateur and activist Josephine Wade-Smith, known as "Mother Wade," talked about keeping kids safe this summer at two Chicago public schools on Monday. Wade-Smith visited Wendell E. Green Elementary School, at 1150 W. 96th St., and Percy Julian High School, at 10330 S. Elizabeth St., along with Gary Sutton of Deloitte. They talked to kids about entrepreneurship, business management, and educational opportunities. Wade-Smith said keeping kids engaged is what keeps them safe. "Safety starts with engagement, and how you engage students and keep them active during the summer," she said. The school visits Monday were part of Mother Wade's efforts to expose students to economic opportunities and help them develop real-world skills. Mother Wade founded Josephine's Southern Cooking, at 436 E. 79th St. in the South Side's Chatham neighborhood, in 1986. It was known for its first several years as Captain's Hard Times. contributed to this report.
