Danger under the Sun
By Nigar Orujova
Many people in Azerbaijan have been waiting for summer the whole year to have fun with their friends and relatives, rest outdoors, enjoy the cold waters of the Caspian Sea, and fresh juicy seasonal fruits and vegetables.
However, the summer does not consist only pleasant things, including some extremely hot days, that are not so nice and even dangerous.
The heat has been abnormally high this summer with temperatures reaching 74˚C in Iran, 65˚C in Saudi Arabia, and 50˚C in India. Even Europe saw temperatures over 40˚C in France, Spain, and Germany.
The hottest days of this summer arrived recently in Azerbaijan with temperatures hitting 43˚C.
Since not everyone is on vacation these days and many need to go to work, some even outdoors under the burning Sun, the strong heat has led to dozens heat strokes and sun-related maladies.
The State Labor Inspectorate Service has warned to take precautions for the hot weather.
Azerbaijan’s Labor Code asserts that work should stop in open areas when the temperature is above 41˚C and in indoor workplaces that do not have air conditioning. Employees in such environments should have breaks to cool down.
The number and duration of breaks are determined based on the joint decision of the employer and trade union. Moreover, all of the breaks should be paid and calculated into the monthly wage.
State monitoring over the implementation of these requirements is strengthened on hot days. Employers will be prosecuted if they do not comply with the legislation.
Baku city’s emergency medical aid station has recommended that citizens be careful and avoid physical labor outdoors due to the abnormal heat..
Deputy chief doctor Oqtay Shahmaliyev said sunstroke can happen to anyone, not only in the sun. “Sunstroke, as a rule, is caused by hot weather. It happens as a result of dehydration.”
Symptoms of heat stroke can vary from fatigue to loss of consciousness. Therefore, consultation with a doctor is recommended when feeling unwell.
Shahmaliyev stressed that physical work is forbidden in hot weather. In addition, it is necessary always to carry water. Small children, the elderly, and chronically ill people are more at risk in these hot days.
He said that since mid-May, 38 people came to the Baku medical station due to sunstroke, 13 of them were hospitalized.
In a country with over 9.6 million people, more victims of the heat are sure to be seen this summer.
The issue of the working in abnormal heat has been discussed in Azerbaijan for years. Earlier, an amendment was made to the Labor Code of Azerbaijan that said when the air temperature reaches 41 degrees Celsius, the country must declare a non-working day. In the previous law, the limit was 45 degrees.
People who work outdoors in extreme heat or indoors with no air conditioning are prone to heart attacks, especially those with chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system.
The good news is that the temperature is expected to be close to climate norm on August 6 and 7. In addition, the north wind will might alleviate the situation a little.
However, people should not forget about their safety under the Sun even when temperatures do not reach 40 degrees.
Those who would like to survive on hot days on the Caspian seashore should also be doubly careful.
At present, the temperature of seawater at Absheron beaches is between 27˚ and 30˚, which attracts many parents with their children.
Water reservoirs seem attractive in these hot days, but people should not forget simple rules of behavior in water.
Do not swim in areas without lifeguard supervision! Do not swim further than special restrictive barriers! Do not enter the sea in windy weather!
These simple rules can save your life, but many still forget these guidelines, making for horrific statistics. Children and teenagers mostly neglect the safety rules and parents should be extra careful when resting on the seashore.
Do not forget about your health during these hot days so that you will only pleasant memories from the summer.
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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar
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