RAK Police 'cool down' blue-collar workers

Ras Al Khaimah - Summer drive themed 'Thank you labourers' meant for workers, especially working in open areas

Bringing respite to blue-collar workers, the Ras Al Khaimah Police (RAK Police) have launched a 'cooling campaign' to provide them with water, cold juices and fruits.
The summer drive themed "Thank you labourers" is meant to relieve the labourers, mainly those working in open areas, according to Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, Director General of the Central Operations Room, RAK Police.
"The campaign targets blue-collar workers at constructions site and open areas, and on the roads of the emirate whether they work for the municipality or public works department." The sizzling summer temperatures have scored a record spike this year in the UAE.
"The mandatory midday break has significantly curbed the number of workers suffering heat exhaustion and sun strokes."
Official figures show that 23 people, mostly blue-collar workers collapsed from heat exhaustion and sun strokes over the scorching summer months of May, June and this July in the emirate.
Likewise, 23 workers were hit with sunstrokes in 2015, against 24 sunstrokes in 2014, and 53 in 2013.
"This humanitarian move enforced for the benefit of the employees in open work sites where they are exposed to the direct sun rays during peak noon hours from 12.30pm to 3pm."
Being exposed to direct sunlight for a long time is one of the reasons behind the cases registered, according to Dr Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Manager of the RAK Medical Zone.
"The Obaidullah Hospital received 13 patients suffering heat exhaustion and sun strokes whereas the Saqr Hospital attended to 10 others."Those are besides the extreme fatigue that other patients sustained owing to the sizzling summer temperatures, he added.
"Those suffering diabetes, high blood pressure, and other internal diseases were more prone to heat exhaustion and stroke."
Dr Mohammed Al Asqalany, an internal consultant here, said unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke symptoms develop over several days, especially among elderly individuals and people with chronic health problems.
"Heatstroke can develop rapidly in severe conditions and situations with extreme physical exertion, especially if the person becomes dehydrated." As the nervous system becomes affected, further symptoms may emerge, such as confusion, coordination problems, seizures, headache, dizziness, anxiety, hallucinations, irrational behavior, and loss of consciousness.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah