ISSUE 27

|

  16 June 2015
Latest HSE Statistics YTD 15 Jun
  2014 2015
Workplace fatalities
1 1
Non-work related fatalities
0 1
Non-accidental deaths (NADs)
10 4
Lost Time Injuries (LTIs)
28 22
All injuries (excluding first aid cases)
85 81
Motor Vehicle Incidents (MVIs)
43 45
Roll over - MVIs
13 10
Serious MVIs
14 13
Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)
0.34 0.26
Life Saving Rules Violations
YTD 15 June
Journey management
21
Speeding/GSM
15
Seatbelts
4
Overriding safety device
0
Working at heights
1
Permit
2
Confined space
0
Lock out tag out
1
Drugs and alcohol
0
Gas testing
0
Smoking
0
Suspended Load
0
Vehicle Class A/B Defect
YTD 15 June
Class A
52
Class B
1977
HSE TIP
Heat-related illness can range from mild skin rash or cramps to very serious conditions such as heat stroke, which can kill. To prevent heat stress, workers and employers must be able to identify all sources of heat and understand how the body removes excess heat.
 
 

Important News


   
 

Heat stress occurs when our body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a normal body temperature. Heat stress is caused by combinations of high temperature and/or humidity, direct sun or heat, limited air movement, physical exertion, existing medical illness or physical condition, some medicines and lack of acclimatisation for workers in hot workplaces. Heat related health ailments signs and symptoms include: headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating or dry skin, fatigue, visual disturbances, convulsions and  loss of consciousness. In some cases it can result in death.
 

   

Types of Heat Stress
- Heat Rash - occurs most commonly in hot, humid environments.
- Heat Cramps - painful muscle spasms that occur when sweating profusely in heat.
- Heat Exhaustion - temporary state of mental or psychological strain resulting from prolonged heat exposure.    Workers not accustomed to hot environments and standing upright and immobile for a long period of time.
- Heat Stroke - considered as a medical emergency.  It is the result of the failure of the body’s cooling mechanism and can result in death if not immediately treated.  
 

 

What You Need to Know

 
 
Risk of heat stress:

The risk of heat stress and fatigue is greater for those who have inadequate water and food intake, disturbed sleeping patterns and those who have pre-existing medical conditions and/or are under medication. Elderly people are more prone to heat stress than younger people as they are also more likely to have a chronic medical condition.

Ramadhan and hot time:

This year the Holy month of Ramadhan occurs during the hottest time of the year in mid June to mid July. This also means longer fasting hours and thus a prolonged period of inability to drink water.

Tips for Ramadhan:

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fibre, drink sufficient water to avoid dehydration, avoid caffeine drinks and smoking and get adequate sleep.

 
ISSUE 27

|

  16 June 2015
         

What you can do to manage heat stress and prevent heat related fatigue?

  • Wear light, long sleeve cotton clothing
  • Stay well hydrated by regularly drinking plenty of fluids
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugary fluids as they can make you lose more fluids and worsen heat exhaustion
  • Monitor the colour of your urine, it should be pale yellow; if it gets dark yellow it means you need to drink more fluids
  • Work under shaded areas whenever practical
  • Take regular short breaks under shaded areas
  • Gradually build up to heavy work (acclimatisation)

 

  • Schedule heavy work which is physically demanding early or late during the day. Work in pairs or small groups
  • If you experience any signs of heat stress illnesses immediately notify your colleagues and supervisors
  • Use mechanised equipments (cranes, forklifts, hoists etc) for physically demanding jobs such as digging and excessive lifting.
In case of Heat Stroke
  • Get the victim to a shaded area, call for help to get medical assistance as soon as possible
  • Start cooling the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can e.g. immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the

 

victim with cool water, sponge the person with cool water; or wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and use a fan if available. Do not give the victim fluids to drink

  • Continue cooling efforts while awaiting emergency medical personnel, call the nearest clinic to ensure help is coming and for further instructions
  • If a victim's muscles begin to twitch, keep the victim from injuring him self, but remember not to give anything by mouth, including fluids
  • If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim to his or her side.

For more information or back issues, please access www.pdo.co.om/hseforcontractors or email Nasra Maamery (MSE/51)