IN the sweltering heat of Lahore recently, during the hottest part of the day around noon, I spotted a man outside a building, cleaning windows. Then there were people responsible for taking care of the lawns and gardens. Also, there were labourers working on various construction sites. This made me wonder if employers even know that they have a responsibility to keep their workers safe during the ongoing heatwave.

Should they not avoid giving outdoor tasks during peak hours when experts advise everyone to avoid going out? Or is this simply the new normal, and we have to accept it as nothing but an occupational hazard associated with certain jobs during summer?

Heat stroke or heat exhaustion is only one of the risks associated with working outdoors when the sunrays are at their strongest; the other major risk is that of skin cancer. It is important that our public is aware and takes steps to stay healthy during this extreme heat and potential exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Moreover, we should all stay hydrated, avoid caffeine and high sugar drinks, limit sun exposure and strenuous outdoor activities, use a sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, lower environmental temperature, where possible; if air conditioning is not available, take cool showers.

One should consider battery-operated fans if the ceiling fans are not available, wear light and loose clothing, and, importantly, seek immediate medical attention in case of even mild symptoms of heat stroke, such as red hot skin, confusion, elevated temperature, rapid pulse, vomiting, dizziness, muscle cramps and clammy skin. Ignoring these symptoms might lead to complications.

Mariam Khan
Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2024