DOHA:The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has affirmed the continuation of Qatar's unwavering approach to constantly improve the conditions of workers through the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, particularly in the field of protection from work-related heat stress, and address any gaps that prevent the provisions of actual protection from the risk of heat stress, especially with the worsening of climate change that has led to global warming.
An awareness event was organized by NHRC in the Asian city to inform workers of the dangers and effects of heat stress on mental and physical health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, International Labour Organization (ILO), Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and Qatari Diar Company, in the presence of Charge d'Affairs of the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana, Consul for Labor Affairs at the Nepalese Embassy, a representative from the US Embassy, President of the Nepalese Business Association and President of the African communities union.
Deputy Chairperson of NHRC Dr Mohammad bin Saif Al Kuwari stressed that Qatar will always seek to improve work conditions with the concerted efforts of all parties, pointing out the country's keenness to implement Ministerial Resolution No 17 of 2021 regarding the necessary precautions to protect workers from heat stress, and to address any actions that violate the law and prevent their occurrence in advance.
He explained that this awareness campaign, which is carried out by NHRC from August 1 to September 1 to prevent the dangers of heat stress, comes within the framework of further promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, as respecting the right to work and ensuring occupational health and safety is one of the foundations for decent work stipulated in the covenant.
Jamal Al Sheiba, a representative from the Ministry of Labour, commended the cooperation between the ministry and the committee in all activities aimed at protecting workers and raising awareness among them on all matters related to occupational safety and health.
He emphasized the great attention the state attaches to occupational safety and health issues, by setting comprehensive policies, strategies and plans to reduce work-related accidents, injuries and diseases, and based on the Qatari Labour Law, which stipulates the need to comply with the application of occupational safety and health requirements within workplaces as well as workers' residence.
The Labour Law has given broad powers to labour inspectors to monitor the implementation of these requirements through periodic and sudden inspections, awareness campaigns, advice and guidance, Al Sheiba added, pointing out that an integrated and comprehensive plan is currently being implemented during summer 2023, aiming to ensure adherence to the implementation of Ministerial Resolution No. 17 of 2021 regarding the requirements that must be taken to protect workers from the risks of heat stress.
In the same context, Head of ILO Office in Qatar Max Tunon hailed NHRC's efforts in addition to its organization of the campaign to prevent heat stress. He emphasized the importance of this event to raise awareness of heat stress, affirming that heat stress is a major safety concern and health issue in Qatar and the Gulf region, which is increasing around the globe.
He noted that Qatar has enacted very important legislation to address heat stress in 2021, which has already had a very positive impact on the health of workers.
Tunon pointed out the highly efficient solutions and measures that can be taken to protect workers from the risks of heat-related conditions, such as providing workers with cold water to ensure hydration, as well as shaded and well-ventilated rest areas, indicating that such simple solutions can go a long way in protecting workers.