Latest news with #workersafety
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah: Free medical checkups for thousands of workers from July 3
Thousands of workers in Sharjah will benefit from free health screenings, medical services, and safety awareness programmes as part of the 14th annual Heat Exhaustion and Disease Prevention Campaign, launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs. The campaign, set to begin on July 3 under the slogan 'Your Safety is Our Priority,' aims to reach over 10,000 outdoor labourers and 500,000 community members virtually. It coincides with the nationwide midday work ban during the peak summer months and reflects the UAE's 2025 'Year of Community' theme. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where officials, including Mohammed Al Zarooni, director of MoHAP's Sharjah Office, and Mona Al Hawai, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Kidney Patients, were present. 'This campaign stems from the Ministry's ongoing commitment to protecting workers' health and strengthening community awareness,' said Al Zarooni. 'We aim to integrate workers more fully into the national health and prevention system while promoting a culture of safety across all work sites.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. This year's campaign has expanded its scope to include not just construction labourers but also domestic workers, delivery drivers, municipal inspectors, police officers, and factory workers. The initiative includes multilingual awareness sessions, SMS alerts, on-site educational lectures, and the distribution of protective gear, water, and food items. Free medical checkups, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and eye exams, will be provided at over nine locations across Sharjah and its central and eastern regions. In addition, blood donation drives and educational competitions offering sun-protection giveaways are planned to keep workers engaged and informed. To ensure compliance, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will intensify inspections at work sites during the midday ban. Iman Rashid Saif, director of the Health Promotion Department, highlighted the campaign's alignment with the vision of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, who has long advocated for the welfare of workers. 'Our goal is to raise awareness about basic but vital preventive measures, hydration, suitable clothing, avoiding sun exposure, and promote healthier lifestyles among workers,' she said. The campaign is a lifeline for those working long hours in the summer heat, and officials said it's about much more than just health checkups. Al Zarooni said that protecting workers from heat-related illnesses isn't just a health issue. 'It's a national duty and a shared responsibility. We want every worker to feel cared for and supported. This campaign is a message of solidarity to those who build and serve our communities every day.' He added that more than 10,000 workers will directly benefit from services such as eye tests, blood pressure checks, and awareness sessions conducted in languages they understand. 'We are not only giving them checkups, we are making sure they know how to stay safe and what to do in emergencies,' he said. Al Hawai said that its mission is to go where the people are, at construction sites, in factories, on the road, and provide the care and knowledge they might not have easy access to. 'We want them to know they are not alone,' she said. She added that the campaign reflects the values of kindness and social responsibility. 'This is about working together as a community to protect each other,' she said. 'It's about compassion, awareness, and making sure everyone, no matter where they work, gets the support they need to stay healthy.'
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 3,000 workers to get free fire safety, CPR training this summer
Several organisations are going the extra mile to help blue-collar workers this summer. They are offering free classes and health campaigns to ensure that these workers have a safe and productive season. The Rewaq Ousha Institute and Cultural Centre, an educational institution since 1992, has partnered with the British awarding body, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), to provide free, internationally certified safety training to 3,000 blue-collar workers nationwide. Meanwhile, a group of doctors called the Association of Kerala Medical and Dental Graduates (AKMG) is set to launch its flagship summer community initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure among outdoor workers during the intense summer months. The Beat the Heat campaign, organised in association with the Consulate General of India in Dubai, will offer practical guidance on preventing heat-related illnesses and promote safer work environments. Earlier this month, UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) began enforcing a ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12.30pm to 3pm daily for three months to protect workers from the direct sunlight. Enhancing professional skills The training curriculum covers critical workplace safety topics, including first aid and CPR, emergency response procedures, electrical safety standards and fire prevention and rescue techniques. It will be conducted in multiple languages to ensure accessibility and enhance the professional skills of workers while contributing to safer work environments across industries. "This initiative directly supports the UAE's strategic objectives for workforce development and occupational safety," stated Dr Amina Ajmal of Rewaq Ousha Institute. "By empowering workers with internationally recognised safety certifications, we're investing in both human capital and workplace standards." First established in 1992, the educational institute has been at the forefront of providing free classes and conducting charitable activities. The inaugural session of the initiative- which is supported by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai- was held earlier this month and trained 100 workers from Al Naboodah Construction Group. Other companies in the UAE have been encouraged to apply for the training which will be offered till the end of the year. A platform for workers Each session of the Beat the Heat campaign will include educational talks, distribution of informative materials, and an interactive segment with a panel of doctors from various specialties. It will be held every Sunday for 15 weeks at various locations. The first session began on Sunday, June 15, at a labour camp in DIP, providing a platform for workers to have their medical doubts clarified. "Around 250 workers attended the session, and we had 30 volunteers, including seven children, to ensure the event ran seamlessly," said Dr Nita Salam, chief organiser of the campaign in Dubai. "The event started off with a yoga session, and the staff of CGI Dubai conducted a session about a support centre for Indian expat workers. Refreshments were served, and electrolyte sachets were handed out." Dr Archana Nair from AKMG said that workers were allowed to ask any medical questions they had during the session. "It was an open discussion," she said. "Many of the questions were centered around gastric issues, urinary infections during summer, muscle cramps and how to care for heat rashes. They also asked about how to effectively use sunscreen and whether it was covered by insurance." She added that there was such a huge response to the interactive session that they have decided to allocate more time to enable all workers to ask their doubts.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Two workers die after getting trapped in Parker County water tank, officials say
Two workers died after getting stuck in an underground water tank in Parker County, according to NBC DFW and the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office. Tarrant deputies were dispatched to assist Parker County emergency services with a rescue attempt in the 12000 block of Aledo Road at about 5:15 p.m. Friday, according to a statement. Initial call details indicated that two men who had been performing maintenance on the tank could not be reached by coworkers. The men were unresponsive as crews attempted to rescue them, according to NBC DFW.
Khaleej Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE midday break: Mohre inspects construction sites ahead of rule taking effect
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) has started inspecting construction sites ahead of the implementation of the summer midday break for workers which will come into effect on Sunday, June 15. Under this regulation, which is now in its 21st year, workers across the UAE are prohibited from working under direct sunlight and in open areas between 12.30pm and 3pm daily, until September 15. This is the period when the country is experiencing peak summer heat. Mohre minister Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar recently led the inspection of a construction site in Dubai to review preparations for the implementation of the seasonal midday break aimed at ensuring a safe working environment, aligned with best practices and occupational health and safety requirements. Al Awar underscored the midday work ban 'requires companies to provide shaded areas for workers at work sites to protect them from heat stress caused by sun exposure, as well as adequate cooling devices, sufficient water to prevent dehydration, first-aid equipment and other comfort facilities.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. According to Mohre, there are exemptions to the midday break, including tasks that must continue uninterrupted for technical reasons, such as laying asphalt or pouring concrete when it is unfeasible to complete these activities after the break. Also exempted from the regulation are works that require addressing hazards or repair issues that impact the community, such as disruptions to water or electricity supply, traffic congestion, and malfunctions in basic services. Companies found violating the rule will be fined Dh5,000 per worker, and can go up to a maximum of Dh50,000 if multiple workers are involved. Mohre reiterated it will monitor compliance through its inspection systems to ensure that no workers are made to work during the prohibited hours. The ministry also asked the published to report any violations during the midday break by contacting the Mohre call centre on 600590000, or through the ministry's website and smart app.
CTV News
02-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Police give update on pair of workers freed after being buried in trench collapse
Video Toronto Police officials give an update on the condition of two workers who were rescued after a trench they were working in collapsed.
