The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in Doha, Qatar recently organized two awareness events as part of the “Healthy Workers for Sustainable Development” campaign in collaboration with various partners. The events aimed to raise awareness among workers and employers about the right to health and its impact on sustainable development. One event targeted 80 workers from a security services company, while another event benefitted 200 workers in the Small Industries Zone in the Industrial Area. The Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs at NHRC, Hamad Majid Al Marzouqi, emphasized the importance of providing fair and satisfactory working conditions to ensure employees’ safety and health.
Al Marzouqi highlighted the connection between the right to health and sustainable development goals, emphasizing the importance of international and regional human rights charters that affirm workers’ health rights. He noted that neglecting health and safety in the workplace could have severe consequences that hinder achieving sustainable development goals. Al Marzouqi also discussed Qatari legislation related to workers’ rights and health programs to ensure all workers have access to fair working conditions that contribute to productivity efficiency.
Khaled Abdul Rahman Al Emadi, an occupational safety and health expert at the Ministry of Labour, explained the ministry’s annual awareness activities addressing heat stress. These events aim to educate workers on the risks of heat stress, especially during peak hours from July to mid-September each year. Director of Health Programs at the National Mental Health Program, Ministry of Public Health, Qusai Al Harashah, emphasized the importance of mental health in public health and productivity. Investing in mental health initiatives not only improves employee well-being but also boosts productivity and fosters a positive work environment conducive to growth and success.
Dr. Ahmed Deeb Idlebi, Head of Health Education at the Qatar Red Crescent, delivered a practical lecture on heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and related illnesses such as brown fatigue. He provided methods for preventing heat stress through appropriate clothing, personal tools, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a healthy diet. These initiatives aim to ensure workers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect their health and well-being in the workplace. It is essential to prioritize workers’ health and safety to create a conducive environment for growth, productivity, and sustainable development.
