Approximately 600 employees in the Hamriya neighbourhood of Sharjah received presents, food, hydration supplies, juice, and sanitary napkins as part of a campaign to inform them about the risks of heat fatigue. The Sharjah Centre of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority performed medical checks for these labourers as well. Throughout the emirate, the campaign will run through the end of July.
The Dubai Centre of ERC, in association with the Noor Dubai Foundation and the Dubai Health Authority, organised a "health day" at the workers' accommodations. These employees not only received presents to show thanks for their job, but they also had medical examinations for the health day.
UAE has instituted a noon break, which forbids working in open-air locations and direct sunlight between 12.30 and 3.00 pm, in an effort to lessen the effects of heat. The policy is effective from June 15 until September 15. Businesses that violate the midday break policy risk fines of up to Dh50,000 if many workers are working during the break. Penalties for noncompliance start at Dh5,000 per employee.
Given the likelihood that this year's heat wave may surpass previous records, the UAE has put in place a number of worker-assistance programmes. These include of giving away free juice and ice cream, setting up air-conditioned rest areas, and enforcing the required midday break.
