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Working Safely While Fasting: Hydration and Heat Management
During fasting, your safety depends on smart hydration at night and watching your brothers for signs of fatigue during the day.
Why this matters
- Fasting in the Gulf heat is a major physical challenge. When you do not eat or drink during the day, your body has fewer resources to fight the heat. This makes you more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion or lose your focus, which can lead to accidents.
- The risk is highest in the late afternoon when your energy is at its lowest and the sun is still strong. Your reaction times might be slower, and your balance might be affected. We must adjust how we work to keep everyone safe.
Talking points
- Drink plenty of water and eat slow release foods like oats, dates, or beans during Suhoor to keep your energy steady.
- Avoid drinking too much tea, coffee, or sugary sodas at night because these make your body lose water faster the next day.
- Plan your hardest physical work for the early morning hours when it is cooler and you have more energy.
- Use your rest breaks to sit in the shade or AC areas. Even if you are not drinking, cooling your skin helps your heart rate go down.
- Watch your buddy closely. If they look confused, stop talking, or seem unsteady on their feet, they need help immediately.
- If you feel dizzy, have a headache, or feel very weak, stop work and tell your supervisor. There is no shame in seeking medical help.
- Keep your skin covered with light, breathable clothing to prevent the sun from drying out your skin and raising your temperature.
Ask the crew
- What are some good foods to eat at Suhoor to help you stay strong all day?
- If you see a teammate looking very tired or confused in the afternoon, what should you do?
- Why is drinking a lot of coffee at night a bad idea for the next day's work?
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
More health & body talks
First Aid: The First Two MinutesStress and Mental Health: Speaking Up for SafetyFatigue: Staying Alert on Site and on the RoadHand Arm Vibration: Protecting Your HandsSilica Dust: Why a Nuisance Mask is Not EnoughProtect Your Hands: Pinch Points and Glove Choice
Matching safety poster: Fasting and Heat Safety Guide
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