NHRC stresses commitment to workers’ rights as ‘heat stress’ campaign continues

Doha, Qatar: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) will continue Qatar’s efforts of protecting workers from heat stress related to work, and to address any gaps that prevent the provision of actual and complete protection from the dangers of heat stress, Deputy Chairman of NHRC Dr. Mohammad bin Saif Al Kuwari has disclosed.

Speaking at an event held on Monday as part of the awareness campaign on the effects of heat stress at work sites on mental and physical health which will run until September 1, Dr. Al Kuwari said with the intensification of climate change climate and the resulting global warming, he hopes the initiative will contribute to more awareness for employers and workers, enabling both parties to confront any acts that violate the law and prevent these breaches in advance.

Dr. Al Kuwari also emphasized the functions of the NHRC and its contribution to policymaking, including adopted recommendations like the law to prevent the use of children in camel competitions, the abolition of the sponsorship system, the issuance of the domestic workers’ law, the law of political asylum, and others.

Qatar’s heat stress prevention law has significantly impacted thousands of workers nationwide, and authorities have carried out rampant inspections to ensure violators are dealt with.

A Ministerial Decision announced on May 26, 2021, introduced a significant expansion of summertime working hours during which outdoor work is prohibited. The decision bans work in the morning period, after 10 am until 3:30 pm afternoon, for work performed in open outdoor workplaces.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Labour representative Jamal Al Sheiba stated that Qatar has prioritized occupational safety and health issues by setting comprehensive policies and strategies to reduce work-related accidents, injuries and diseases. He noted that a labour inspection policy had been adopted to ensure effective compliance and implementation of legal and legislative requirements of labour requirements.

Al Sheiba also pointed to the International Conference on Occupational Heat Exhaustion held in May in cooperation with the International Labor Organization to indicate the country’s commitment to heat stress.

“The relevant authorities, as well as specialists from all over the world, exchanged experiences on the subject of heat stress and to identify ways to control this type of risk to which workers are exposed. Scientists, academics and researchers from various universities inside and outside Qatar also participated in the conference. The conference came out with many recommendations aimed at ensuring the safety of workers from the dangers of heat stress,” he added.

Ashghal held presentations highlighting measures it implements to protect workers during the summer months, individualized health plans to cater to workers with ailments and safeguarding their salaries from companies that default.

Also, Qatari Diar’s representative Salem Rashid Al Kuwari, discussed how Qatari Diar ensures workers are given adequate platforms to work and protected from workplace dangers and heat stress.

For his part, ILO Director in Qatar Max Tunon underlined the importance of the event to raise awareness of heat stress. He noted that heat stress is a significant safety concern in Qatar, the Gulf region, and other parts of the world. He added that several efficient measures like providing workers with cold water to ensure hydration and providing shaded and well-ventilated rest areas are highly efficient low-cost solutions that can go a long way in protecting workers.

The event was held in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and the Qatari Diar Company. Representatives from several embassies, including the USA, Nigeria, Ghana, and Nepal and community leaders attended the programme.