MoPH and MoL jointly issued several safety measures and precautions to keep people safe during summer months

In order to keep people safe over the summer and prevent heat-related illnesses, the Ministries of Public Health (MoPH) and Labour (MoL) have jointly released a number of safety measures and safeguards. 

Crucially, the Ministries have stated that acclimating to the heat and taking regular breaks are essential for both new and returning employees. 

The "20% rule," which states that on the first day of work, one should not work more than 20% of the shift at full intensity in the heat, is something MoPH and MoL have urged people to abide by in their social media awareness campaign. Once employees are comfortable working in the heat, gradually increase the amount of time spent at maximum intensity by no more than 20% per day.

The Meteorology Department (QMD) has forecasted that today and tomorrow will be hot and very hot days with daytime temperatures between 37 and 43 degrees Celsius.

The Ministries have also emphasized a number of steps to prevent heat illness at work as part of the awareness campaign.

It advised calling 999 right away in the event of a health-related emergency, cooling the worker with ice or water, and staying with the worker until help arrives.

The Ministry further advised employees to drink water, remove any unnecessary clothing, move to a cooler area, cool themselves with water, ice, or a fan, stay put, avoid leaving alone, and seek medical attention if necessary if they experience headaches, nausea, weakness, dizziness, heavy sweating, hot, dry skin, elevated body temperature, thirst, or decreased urine output.