Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Ensuring the Safety of Outdoor Workers in the UAE’s Summer Heat: A Responsibility Under Islamic Feqh and UAE Law
Dr. Ayesha Mubarak Aldhabah Alketbi
ABSTRACT:
This paper examines the critical issue of safeguarding outdoor workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during intense summer heat, through the lens of both Islamic principles and UAE federal law. It highlights the harsh working conditions faced by thousands of outdoor workers, including construction laborers, delivery drivers, and gardeners, who endure extreme temperatures with limited access to essential cooling resources. The study underscores the need to protect these workers from heat-induced illnesses and accidents, emphasizing the legal and ethical obligations to ensure their well-being. The paper outlines key challenges such as the lack of awareness among workers regarding their rights, the insufficient implementation of safety regulations by some companies, and the limited availability of necessities like shade and water. It proposes comprehensive solutions, including enforcing work-hour regulations to avoid peak heat hours, providing adequate air-conditioned rest areas, ensuring uninterrupted access to clean drinking water, and increasing the frequency of inspections to enforce compliance with safety standards. Innovative approaches, such as the development of cooling clothing and the repurposing of infrastructure for shaded rest areas, are also discussed. The paper draws comparisons between the UAE’s hot climate and extreme cold environments to derive cross-disciplinary insights for worker safety. The use of heuristics to identify necessary resources and strategies for worker protection is explored, emphasizing the importance of visual tools like heat maps to better understand and address the challenges faced by outdoor workers. Conclusively, the paper argues for a multi-faceted approach to enhance the safety and dignity of outdoor workers in the UAE, combining Islamic values, legal mandates, and innovative solutions. It calls for compassion, innovation, and justice in shaping policies and practices that secure the well-being of those working under challenging conditions.
keywords: Outdoor Workers, UAE, Summer Heat, Worker Safety, Islamic Jurisprudence, Legal Duty, Innovative Solutions