Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Ramadan and Summer Working Plan - March.2023)
Ramadan and Summer Working Plan - March.2023)
Plan
CONTENTS
Contents
1. RAMADAN WORK................................................................................................................................................
1.1 Ramadan Work Guidelines and Welfare Arrangement.............................................................................................
1.2 Welfare areas locations:............................................................................................................................................
1.3 Work Shift and Timings............................................................................................................................................
EFS- KAIA (Summary).........................................................................................................................5
1.4 Transportation...........................................................................................................................................................
1.5 Escalation Matrix.......................................................................................................................................................
2. SUMMER WORK...................................................................................................................................................
2.1 Work Preparations & Welfare Arrangements...........................................................................................................
2.2 Work Timings..........................................................................................................................................................
2.3 Hazard Identification, Control and Safe Practices..................................................................................................
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1. RAMADAN WORK
Ramadan is a once-a-year spiritual recharge and boost for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims worldwide
abstain from food, drink and other physical needs during daylight hours.
Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, and a lack of cultural awareness and
understanding can cause stress, unhappiness and inconvenience in the workplace for both Muslims and non-
Muslims. There are also strict rules on working hours during Ramadan for specific categories of employees
which all staff should carefully consider.
During Ramadan, the working day should be 6 hours for all employees, and the scheduling at EFS
ensure appropriate coverage around the clock despite decreased working hours.
All Shift employees must be present for the entire duration of their assigned shift
Transportation will be provided, and timings will be aligned based on the work shift timing.
Prayer times are a defined right to all Muslims employees. However, Muslim who prays must
commence back to their duties’ soon as the prayers are finished.
All Non-Muslim/Non-Fasting employees have to respect the month of Ramadan and their colleagues
who are fasting during Ramadan. They are advised that eating, drinking and smoking in any public
space is not allowed according to the Saudi labor law. A separate room shall be assigned to employees
who are not fasting to take their meals.
EFS will make necessary arrangements for non-fasting staff by providing covered make-shift drinking
facilities to ensure that they are always hydrated.
If any critical work arises which would require them to work for more than 6 hours, the same will be
intimated to HSEQ Officer and Sector leads and will be paid suitable Over time, but will be limited to
2 hours only. This work, if pending, would be taken over by the next shift.
HR and L&D Department will conduct annual awareness sessions to help prepare Non-Muslim and to
employees new to Saudi Arabia, about acceptable behaviors during Ramadan.
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Staff Breakdown
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1.4 Transportation
All bus timings will be aligned based on the work shift timing of EFS.
As a general measure, all transport buses will be cleaned and disinfect commonly touched surfaces in the vehicle
at the beginning and end of each shift and between transporting passengers. EFS will ensure that cleaning and
disinfection procedures are followed consistently and correctly, including the provision of adequate ventilation
when chemicals are in use.
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The role of supervisor or person who is in charge of the task team (being the front-line
supervisors) is critical in preventing impact on the workers’ health during the fasting hours.
Fatigue
Adjust shift schedules to account for fasting hours, provide sufficient breaks and rest periods, encourage
healthy sleep habits during non-working hours, and provide refreshments or nap facilities if possible.
Dehydration
Provide access to drinking water during non-fasting hours, encourage workers to hydrate during non-
fasting hours, and allow for additional rest breaks if necessary
Hypoglycemia
Allow workers to take short breaks to consume healthy meals during non-fasting hours, and educate
workers on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Health Risks
Provide adequate training to employees on the risks associated with working during Ramadan and the
importance of maintaining their health and safety. Provide access to water and other hydrating fluids,
allow for breaks to rest and eat, and encourage employees to report any health concerns promptly.
Safety Risks
Ensure that all employees are trained on safety procedures and protocols, provide personal protective
equipment (PPE) where necessary, and conduct regular safety audits to identify and eliminate potential
hazards
Work Schedules:
Review the work schedules to ensure that workers are not overworked and have adequate rest breaks to
maintain their energy levels.
Avoid scheduling workers for extended periods without a break, especially during the hottest parts of the
day.
Offer flexible working hours or shifts to accommodate the workers who are fasting during Ramadan.
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2. SUMMER WORK
The intense heat of Summer Season in the Kingdome Of Saudi Arabia (K.S.A.) can cause various threats to
health and safety of every laborer or employee working mainly in the site or under uncovered areas. It is
imperative to implement a specific Safety Plan which will define a detailed preparation, actions to be taken and
execute and other precautionary measures to be applied or adapt purposely during emergency cases in the site.
Restrictions on working hours during the summer were "Midday work break 2019 to begin in Saudi Arabia on
10 Jun 2019. This Summer Working Plan has been accomplished in support and in strict compliance to KSA
Ministry of Labour, which imposed a country-wide ban on outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM from
June until September this Year 2023. This midday break is mandatory for all, not only for EFS staff but applies
to all KSA labourers who work in open areas during the peak summer months.
EFS will comply strictly with the requirements of Saudi arabia Municipality / Ministry of Labour and Jedco
KAIA project 2O23 Health and Safety Assurance Standards in respect of working restrictions effective from 10 th
June 2019 to 15th September 2023.
No work under direct sunlight and in an open area will be performed between 12.30 PM and 03.00 PM to reduce
Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stress, Heat Stroke and related illnesses:
Provide and ensure that there is sufficient quantity of clean and cold drinking water for all workers
working at the Jedco KAIA 2023 site at all times.
Prepare Risk Assessments to include scenarios of Heat Stress/Stroke, and ensure that all have been
communicated to all workers.
L&D shall provide training to all workers and staff on “Heat Stress” and record will be maintained.
Provide a comfortable Worker’s Welfare Area with adequate Ventilation/cooling.
Ministry of Labour announcement for mandatory midday break during peak hot hours will strictly be
implemented. (12.30 to 3.00 PM from June-2023 until September 2023)
Ensure availability of Emergency plan and a first-aid kit to deal in case of heat stress & Heat Stroke
related illnesses occur.
Provide special attention for the workers working under direct sunlight and in confined spaces
(employee work & shift timings, as well as water break timing, will be followed).
For any emergencies and contingencies during summer break, the mitigation measures as per the Risk
assessment for the Summer working would be carried out, which will be intimated to HSEQ and Sector
leads
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All work timings will be the same except that mandatory midday break during peak hot hours must be
strictly implemented. (12.30 to 3.00 PM from June 2023 until Sept 2023)
Shift Time
EFS
Start End
Shift 1 7:00 AM 7::00 PM
Shift 2 7:00 PM 7:00 AM
Transportation will be provided as per the guidelines in section 1.3, and timings will be aligned based on the
above work shift timing.
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This technical document may serve as guidelines to protect the health of workers while working in a hot
environment. This document entails the factors to consider during risk assessment, controls to minimize the risk
of heat stress, training requirements, emergency preparedness, and monitoring the effectiveness of the control
measures for further improvements.
Employers having their work activities which can result in heat illnesses shall conduct heat stress risk
assessment based on the above approach and make all reasonably practical efforts in developing and
implementing appropriate controls, as suggested further in these guidelines.
The role of supervisor or person who is in charge of the task team (being the front-line
supervisors) is critical in preventing heat stress impact on the workers’ health during the hot environment
Heatstroke is a severe medical condition that can be life-threatening. In heatstroke, the body's core temperature
rises. Much like a fever, extremely high body temperatures can lead to permanent damage.
The symptoms of heatstroke are confusion, irrational behaviour, loss of consciousness, convulsions, hot, dry skin
and high body temperature (41ºC/105.8ºF). If the body temperature is high, it can result in death if left untreated.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment by a medical professional. Symptoms
Victims of heat stroke often have hot, dry, reddened skin due to the inability to produce sweat. Blood flow pools
to the arms, legs and torso to help cool the body and aid skin receptors. These can place a demand on the heart,
which results in a rapid heartbeat and decreased circulation. Victims of heat stroke may have a fast pulse, nausea
and vomiting, shallow breathing, and can become irritable or confused as blood flow to the brain is reduced;
ultimately resulting in unconsciousness. Other symptoms include:
First Aid
Call 055 6938725
While waiting for help:
o Place the person in a shady, cool area
o Loosen clothing, remove outer clothing
o Fan air on the worker; cold packs in armpits
o Wet the person with fresh water; apply ice packs, cold compresses, or ice if available
o Provide fluids (preferably water) as soon as possible
o Stay with the person until help arrives
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Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur after the staff is exposed to high temperatures, and it often
is accompanied by dehydration.
A. Water depletion - signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness.
B. Salt depletion - symptoms include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.
Although heat exhaustion isn't as serious as heat stroke, it isn't something to be taken lightly. Without proper
intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and
even cause death.
First Aid
Have worker sit or lie down in a cool, shady area
Give worker plenty of water or other cool beverages to drink
Cooldown the person’s body temperature by giving cold compresses/ice packs
Call 911 if signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve within 60 minutes.
Do not allow the staff to be back to work that day
Heat Cramps are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Low salt levels in muscles cause
painful cramps. Tired muscles—those used for performing the work—are usually the ones most affected by
cramps. Cramps may occur during or after working hours.
First Aid
Have worker rest in a shady, cool area
Give the person cold beverages to drink
Wait a few hours before allowing the staff to return to its work
Have worker seek medical attention if cramps don't go away
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Heat stress is when the heat-regulating mechanism of the body fails, resulting in increased body temperature
above 37ºC and affecting the individual’s physiological processes, resulting in strain on the body.
Factors that contribute to heat stress are high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, direct
physical contact with hot objects, and strenuous physical activities.
Also known as prickly heat, is a skin irritation caused by sweat that does not evaporate from the skin. Heat rash
is the most common problem in hot work environments.
Prickly heat is a condition where the skin that is persistently wetted by unevaporated sweat leads to the
formation of red papules. These papules may become infected if left untreated and disappears after returning to a
cold environment.
Heat cramps are painful, involuntary cramping often in the legs, arms, or abdomen with muscle contraction.
Cramping usually occurs in the preseason conditioning phase when the body is not correctly conditioned and
more subject to fatigue. Heat cramps can easily be treated with rest, stretching of the muscle, and replacement of
fluid and electrolytes.
Symptoms
Clusters of red bumps on the skin
Often appears on the neck, upper chest, folds of skin
First Aid
Try to work in a more refreshing, less humid environment when possible
Keep the affected area dry
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Recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke is the first step in treatment. Immediately remove a heat stroke
victim from the direct sunlight or source of heat, by taking him to a shady, cool spot.
Loosen the victim's clothing or remove layers of clothing. Exposing the skin to air circulation helps with
cooling. Then, use fresh, damp cloths or towels and cover the victim's exposed skin to aid with cooling.
Keep the fabrics wet with cold water and replace them as needed.
Give the victim sips of water if he is conscious and able to swallow. Dehydration often occurs during
heatstroke and providing small, frequent sips of water will help rehydrate the victim. Do not offer the victim
anything but water, as other liquids, such as alcohol or caffeine, can make dehydration worse. Also, don't
attempt to give water to a victim unable to swallow, as choking can result.
Allow the victim to lie on its side. It offers protection against injury should the victim faint, and also keeps
the airway clear if vomiting ensues. Then, stay with the victim until medical help arrives.
If such measures fail to provide relief within 15 minutes, seek emergency medical help because untreated
heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke.
2.3.2 Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when fluids are lost from your body faster than they are replaced, creating an imbalance of
essential components for your body to function efficiently. Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to
severe, and can even prove fatal.
Headaches
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Increased pulse rate
Irritability
Irrational thinking and behavior
Dehydration is best overcome by proactively taking in fluids throughout the day. Increased fluid intake is
required when working in extreme heat or performing physical and labor-intensive tasks.
It's vital to recognize dehydration symptoms early. Untreated, dehydration can develop into shock. The signs
and symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headache, dark urine (may have a strong odour), inability to
urinate, dry mouth and nose, weakness, nausea and vomiting.
The best step you can take to promote health and wellness is to work with the staff to prevent dehydration before
it strikes. Some simple steps you can to avoid dehydration include:
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Dehydration occurs when the body has lost too much fluid and electrolytes (the salts potassium and sodium).
Dehydration is particularly dangerous; one can die from it within a matter of days. Although water is vital in
preventing dehydration, it does not contain electrolytes.
It is essential to increase and monitor the supply of cold drinking water in the site to avoid dehydration cases
while at work. If symptoms persist, immediately stop and remove the staff from direct sun exposure and rush
quickly to the nearest clinic or hospital.
Cold drinking water supply will always be provided in the site to prevent possible dehydration of every EFS
staff working in the site. Workers should drink sufficient drinking water and salt replenishment drink/
electrolyte (sequence recommended is a glass of water every hour and after two glass of water one glass of salt
replenishment fluid/electrolyte as a minimum).
When working in a confined space, such work needs to be evaluated to ensure proper ventilation is present
throughout the workspace if required. Fresh air should be supplied near to the workers. These may require
relocation of the air movement and the opening/closing of manways as the work progresses to ensure proper air
distribution.
Prevention:
First Aid:
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Prevention:
Wearing complete PPE all the time protects the labourers from many hazards, including direct burn. Be sure to
have a standby first aid kit in the site; functional and conditioned fire extinguishers will matter most during these
times.
For any emergency cases, rush the patient to the nearest hospital for immediate medical help.