Latest news with #SafeSummer
Times of Oman
21 hours ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Health Ministry issues heat safety rules for workers
Muscat: The Ministry of Health has launched a set of comprehensive guidelines aimed at protecting construction workers from the dangers of heat stress during the peak summer months. As part of the national 'Safe Summer' campaign, the initiative provides employers with clear recommendations to safeguard their workforce amid rising temperatures. The advisory outlines three key pillars: Smart Work Scheduling: Employers are urged to assign strenuous tasks during early mornings or late afternoons. To limit exposure, construction and outdoor work must pause between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. throughout June, July, and August. Regular Breaks: Workers should be given breaks every 45 to 60 minutes when operating in hot environments. These breaks must be taken in shaded or air-conditioned areas with access to drinking water to maintain hydration. Cooling and Ventilation: The Ministry recommends equipping indoor workspaces with fans or air conditioning. On outdoor sites, portable fans and shaded canopies should be provided to reduce heat exposure. These safety measures are intended to minimise the risk of heat-related illnesses and ensure safe, humane working conditions during Oman's hottest season. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to worker health, urging all employers to adhere strictly to the guidelines.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Oman: Rising temperatures prompt health ministry to warn against heat stress
Muscat – With the mercury climbing across the sultanate, the Ministry of Health has issued a renewed call for public caution, highlighting the risks associated with heat stress. As part of its nationwide 'Safe Summer' awareness campaign, the ministry is encouraging residents to stay informed and take early action to protect themselves during the sweltering summer months. The awareness campaign aims to educate the public on staying healthy and safe during extreme heat conditions. According to the advisory, early signs of heat stress may include profuse sweating, fatigue, intense thirst, and mild headaches. Other symptoms to watch for are nausea, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle cramps, a rapid heartbeat, and noticeable changes in skin condition, such as redness or warmth. In some cases, individuals may develop cool or moist skin with slight paleness. An elevated body temperature, typically ranging between 38 and 39.5 degrees Celsius, is also a key indicator. The ministry has urged the public to seek shade, stay well hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
11-06-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Rising temperatures prompt health ministry to warn against heat stress
Muscat – With the mercury climbing across the sultanate, the Ministry of Health has issued a renewed call for public caution, highlighting the risks associated with heat stress. As part of its nationwide 'Safe Summer' awareness campaign, the ministry is encouraging residents to stay informed and take early action to protect themselves during the sweltering summer months. The awareness campaign aims to educate the public on staying healthy and safe during extreme heat conditions. According to the advisory, early signs of heat stress may include profuse sweating, fatigue, intense thirst, and mild headaches. Other symptoms to watch for are nausea, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle cramps, a rapid heartbeat, and noticeable changes in skin condition, such as redness or warmth. In some cases, individuals may develop cool or moist skin with slight paleness. An elevated body temperature, typically ranging between 38 and 39.5 degrees Celsius, is also a key indicator. The ministry has urged the public to seek shade, stay well hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Observer
01-06-2025
- 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
31-05-2025
- 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.
