DOHA: There has been a significant fall in heat-related cases this year compared to last year as most construction and contracting companies that put their workers on outdoor duty this time of the year are strictly complying with the government’s summer timing guidelines for site workers, says a medical expert.
Despite this, several heat-related illnesses are reported every day to the Emergency Department of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Last week, some days saw about 30 to 40 heat-related cases reported to the department, reports Al Sharq.
Dr Warda Al Saad, consultant and head of emergency medicine at HMC, said that in June some 118 cases of heat stress were reported to the department.
In July, when the heat was scorching and humidity high, the number of such cases went up
to 190.
She said that last year the number of cases of heat stress and stroke were more compared to this summer.
This, she added, was because most construction companies had begun complying with the state’s work timing guidelines for site workers.
The guidelines bar outdoor workers from working in the sun from 11.30am until 3pm from June 15 to August 31 when temperatures soar, sometimes peaking at 50 degrees Centigrade and beyond and humidity levels soar up to 80 percent.
Most cases are of heat stress which occurs when the body cannot cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature.
Heat stroke cases haven’t been reported here recently. They are marked by fever and often by unconsciousness caused by failure of the body’s temperature regulating mechanism when exposed to high temperature.
Other heat-related illnesses include heat rashes, heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Warda said that a majority of cases reported to the emergency department are those involving young men, including people with other diseases. Their condition worsens due to heat stress.
“However, most cases of heat-related illnesses that are reported are minor,” she added. Intense sweating, fatigue, dizziness and weak heart beat are some of the symptoms of heat stress.
Warda said that outdoor workers who are exposed to the sun must drink a lot of water before they feel thirsty and should avoid drinks that contain caffeine.
The vulnerable hours are between 10am and 3pm. This is the time when heat and humidity levels are the highest in the day during the summer season, said Warda.
“This is the time when most heat-related cases are reported to the emergency department of HMC.”
Outdoor workers should take time off from work repeatedly during this period and keep themselves hydrated, she said.
The Peninsula
