Working safely through the Omani summer

Summer temperatures in Oman regularly pass 45 °C, and humidity along the coast makes the heat feel even higher. For outdoor crews, heat stress is one of the most serious hazards of the year — and one of the most preventable.

Respect the midday break

Oman requires a midday break from outdoor work during the hottest months. Plan programmes around it rather than against it: schedule concrete pours, roofing and asphalt for early mornings, and keep the hottest hours for shaded or indoor tasks. Always check the current ministerial decision for exact dates and hours.

Water, shade, rest

• Cool drinking water within easy reach of every work front — and reminders to drink before people feel thirsty.
• Shaded rest areas close to the work, not at the far end of the site.
• Short, regular breaks, especially for heavy manual work.

Acclimatise new workers

People returning from leave or joining from cooler climates need time to adapt. Build up their workload over the first days and pair them with experienced colleagues.

Know the warning signs

Dizziness, headache, confusion, cramps or stopping sweating are signals to act immediately: move the person to shade, cool them down and get medical help. Every supervisor should know the site's emergency procedure by heart.

Make it part of the system

At Lotus, heat-stress controls belong in the QHSE management system like any other risk — planned, communicated, monitored and reviewed. Our policy is simple: every employee trained, equipped and ready for a prompt and effective response.