It’s 45°C today, and luckily it’s Friday — a break for outdoor workers. Since September 15, Qatar lifted the midday work ban, making it legal to work in extreme heat. Temperatures may drop below 40°C soon, but it’s still very challenging.
Many wonder why Qatar, seen as modern and progressive, does not do more for laborers. Cooling overalls exist but are not widely used.
Around the world, heat protections vary: the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman have summer midday work bans; Greece and Spain restrict outdoor work during heatwaves; in the U.S., only states like California and Arizona have strong protections. In California, outdoor work is restricted when temperatures exceed 30°C, and employers must provide shaded rest areas, water, and heat training for workers. These laws are among the strictest in the U.S. and serve as a model for protecting laborers from extreme heat. Many countries, including India and much of Latin America, offer little or no protection.
Qatar draws international attention because of its high-profile events and large labor force, but extreme heat affects workers globally. Solutions like cooling gear and shaded breaks should be adopted worldwide!
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