Heatwave Emergency Plan: What Every Labour Camp Needs in Place

When the UAE summer turns brutal, a standard safety checklist isn’t enough. Labour camps and worker housing in Abu Dhabi must be prepared for heatwaves that can last for days and bring temperatures well above 05°C. In these extreme conditions, a reactive approach won’t work. Every camp needs a solid, proactive Heatwave Emergency Plan.

Let’s break down what that should look like, why it matters, and how camp managers can stay ahead of the heat.

Why a Heatwave Plan is Essential

Even with the midday break law in place from June 15 to September 15, sudden heatwaves can push the body beyond safe limits. Dehydration, heatstroke, and even organ failure can occur if workers aren’t given the right protection.

While UAE labour regulations mandate basic summer precautions, a true heatwave plan goes beyond compliance. It ensures camps are equipped to respond to emergencies, keep operations safe, and protect lives.

To know more about midday break

1. Appoint a Heatwave Response Team

Your first move? Assign a heatwave coordinator and response team. This team should be trained to monitor weather alerts, inspect safety systems, and act quickly if signs of heat stress appear.

Roles may include:

• Monitoring temperature forecasts daily
• Checking hydration and cooling stations
• Alerting supervisors when heat levels rise
• Coordinating emergency transport if needed
  
  

2. Create a Scalable Emergency Response Protocol

Every labour camp in Abu Dhabi should have a step-by-step protocol for managing heatwave days, clearly documented and visible in both Arabic and native languages of your workers.

The plan should include:

• Temperature thresholds that trigger specific responses
• Reduced work hours and break rescheduling
• Access to medical professionals or clinics
• Emergency contact lists for hospitals or ambulances
  
  

3. Reinforce Access to Cooling and Hydration

During a heatwave, workers can lose 1–1.5 litres of water per hour. That’s why standard hydration isn't enough. Your heatwave plan must double down on cooling zones and water access.

Labotel, a leading provider of worker housing in Abu Dhabi, ensures that during heatwaves, hydration stations are refilled twice as often, and misting fans are deployed in high-traffic outdoor zones. These measures are part of their larger "Beat the Heat" initiative.

Pro tips:

• Supply chilled ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) regularly
• Set up emergency mist tents or mobile AC pods
• Use shaded recovery stations with beds and first-aid kits
  
  

4. Schedule Emergency Drills

Just like fire drills, heatwave drills prepare your workers for emergencies. These should include how to identify symptoms, who to report to, and where to go for help.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

• Dry, hot skin
• Confusion or fainting
• Rapid breathing
• No sweating, despite the heat
  
  

Make sure every supervisor is trained in basic first aid for heat stress, and that medical kits are stocked with cooling packs, electrolyte tablets, and instructions in multiple languages.

5. Communicate in Real Time

Install a real-time alert system. Even if it’s as simple as a group messaging app or loudspeaker announcements. Communicate any temperature spikes, new break schedules, or emergency alerts as they happen.

Also, reinforce these messages with multilingual posters and safety visuals in dining halls, restrooms, and dormitories.

6. Partner with Local Authorities

Stay connected with Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and MoHRE. These agencies often release real-time advisories and may offer support services during heatwaves.

Labotel partners with health authorities to conduct on-site heat stress awareness programs during the summer. These include educational sessions, ORS distribution, and medical screenings for early signs of dehydration.

7. Keep Transportation Cool

Often overlooked, worker transport can become a serious hazard during heatwaves. Make sure that:

• Bus air conditioning works efficiently
• Drivers carry extra water
• Boarding is staggered to avoid crowding
  
  

Also consider adjusting transport schedules to avoid peak afternoon hours.

8. Post-Incident Support and Follow-Up

If a heat-related incident does occur, treat it as a learning opportunity. Conduct a debrief to understand what went wrong, how quickly staff responded, and how your protocol can be improved.

Keep a heat illness logbook that records symptoms, actions taken, and results. Use this data to update your emergency plan every summer.

Preparedness is Protection

Heatwaves aren’t just another summer challenge; they’re a serious health hazard. But with a solid emergency plan, every labour camp in Abu Dhabi can rise to the challenge.

From assigning heatwave coordinators to reinforcing hydration protocols, small steps can prevent major tragedies. More importantly, these efforts show your commitment to a safety-first culture, something that workers notice and value.

At Labotel, safety is a promise. With proactive training, cooling infrastructure, and strong partnerships, we make sure that our residents are protected, no matter how high the temperature climbs.