As many as 36 workers have been taken to hospital in Ras Al Khaimah after suffering from heat stroke since the beginning of May.
The workers, most of them construction labourers, were exposed to hot sun continuously for a long time of the day, as a result suffering from exhaustion and dehydration.
According to a Khaleej Times report quoting doctors, most of the workers who were admitted to Seif Obaidullah Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah were brought in before the mid-day break rule came into force.
Doctors at the hospital, which received 17 cases in May and 19 cases in June, said the workers suffered from dehydration after spending many hours under the sun which caused them fatigue, high blood pressure, rise in the body temperatures and other heat-related diseases.
Dr Ramez Atallah, a health expert in RAK, was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times, that it was very important for employers to let the outdoor workers rest during the hottest time of the day as required by the country’s laws.
The doctor noted that if the body is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, it loses a lot of fluids and salts which may lead to loss of consciousness and a rise in body temperature that could also affect the brain functioning.
Workers are advised to drink huge quantity of water during these periods of high temperatures to avoid the risk of dehydration.
The doctor also urged the public, especially children, the elderly and people with heart diseases, diabetes or other health problems, to limit their movements during the hot sun.
Enforcing the law strictly, the Ministry of Labour inspectors in RAK are combing the construction sites across the emirate and no violations have been reported yet.
The Ministry has urged construction firms to strictly adhere to the law in order avoid any penalties.