Ministry of Labour hosts awareness seminar on heat stress prevention

Doha: The Ministry of Labour, represented by the Occupational Safety and Health Department, in collaboration with the Workers Support and Insurance F...

Doha: The Ministry of Labour, represented by the Occupational Safety and Health Department, in collaboration with the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund and Galfar Al Misnad Engineering and Contracting, held an awareness seminar today for workers on the risks of heat stress and prevention methods while working outdoors during the summer heat.

The seminar forms part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to protect workers during the summer months-both at workplaces and accommodations-and to promote awareness of how to manage heat-related health challenges. It aimed to educate workers on the importance of following occupational safety guidelines and to encourage safe practices to prevent heat stress.

The session focused on recognising the symptoms of heat stress-such as headache, dizziness, excessive or halted sweating, fatigue, and loss of consciousness-and how to respond effectively, including the administration of first aid.

Specialists from the Ministry and the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund shared practical tips, including regular hydration, taking shaded breaks, wearing light clothing, and using hats or protective helmets when working in direct sunlight. They also stressed the importance of immediately stopping work upon signs of fatigue and seeking a cool area, drinking fluids, and getting prompt medical attention. Awareness and prevention, they emphasised, are the first line of defence.

The Ministry continues to conduct field campaigns throughout the summer, in coordination with public and private partners, to foster a culture of occupational safety and health, contributing to a safe and healthy work environment in line with the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.