HSE Warning on the Rising Risk of Heatstroke During the Hot Season

With temperatures rising across many parts of the country and heat stress becoming more severe, compliance with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) requirements in workplaces, operational sites, and open environments has become more important than ever. In this regard, the Director General of the Community Nutrition Improvement Office at the Ministry of Health warned about the growing risk of heatstroke and emphasized the need for continuous water intake, replacement of lost electrolytes, and adherence to preventive measures.

Ahmad Esmailzadeh stated that employees working in construction projects, industrial operations, municipal services, agriculture, transportation, as well as individuals who, due to work conditions or sports activities, spend long hours under direct sunlight, are at greater risk of heatstroke than others. He explained that exposure to hot environments causes the body to lose significant amounts of water and essential minerals such as sodium and potassium through sweating. If these losses are not compensated in time, symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure, general weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramps may occur.

He described frequent water consumption as the primary strategy for preventing heatstroke and added that individuals working in hot conditions should always have adequate drinking water available and consume it at short intervals, even before feeling thirsty. He noted that in some cases, adding a small amount of honey and a little salt to water can help provide part of the body’s required sugar and sodium; however, plain water remains the best option for preventing dehydration.

The Director General also pointed to the important role of nutrition in reducing the risk of heatstroke. He recommended consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cantaloupe, melon, tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots during hot days, as these foods help supply part of the body’s water needs and contribute to replacing essential minerals and vitamins. However, he stressed that these foods should not replace water intake and should instead be consumed alongside sufficient fluids.

He further noted that light and hydrating meals such as soups, ash, and ab-doogh-khiar are suitable choices during hot weather. He emphasized that clothing also plays a key role in heatstroke prevention. Wearing light-colored, cotton, and breathable clothing, avoiding dark-colored outfits, and using hats in outdoor environments can help reduce heat absorption and provide better protection against direct sunlight.

Esmailzadeh warned about the serious consequences of heatstroke and said that if symptoms such as severe fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, paleness, extreme weakness, or muscle cramps are observed, the individual should be moved immediately to a cool and shaded place, and emergency services should be contacted if necessary. If the person is conscious, water, fruit juice, or an oral rehydration solution (ORS) may be given until emergency responders arrive. However, if the person has reduced consciousness, no liquids or food should be administered.

In conclusion, he pointed out that the risk of heatstroke is even higher in humid regions of the country. High humidity reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, making heatstroke more likely in such areas. He also noted that people traveling from colder regions to warmer areas, or those sent on work assignments to hot climates, should exercise extra caution because they are less adapted to the heat.