In collaboration with the Salvation Army, the Singapore Red Cross' (SRC) Community Health on Wheels (CHoW) programme organised its inaugural Heat Management talk for 26 migrant workers at ASPRI-Westlite Papan on 28 July. 

The CHoW programme supports the mental well-being of Migrant Domestic Workers and Migrant Workers. SRC engages the domestic workers in arts and crafts activities, and team bonding games with the migrant workers. Besides these, we also conduct informative wellness talks focused on mental well-being and self-care. Through these initiatives, we strive to imbue in the migrant workers the sense that they are at a “Home Away From Home”, fostering a sense of community and belonging for all participants.

Migrant workers account for a large proportion of Singapore’s labour force and they usually take on labour-intensive jobs under the sweltering sun at construction sites, shipyards, and landscaping sites. Recognising their vital contributions, the SRC is committed to enhancing their well-being and safety.

Through our heat management talk, the SRC aims to empower migrant workers with essential knowledge and skills to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. By building their capacity, we can reduce this risk and ultimately enhance their overall well-being and safety in their workplace.

Some practical tips the migrant workers gleaned from the heat management talk included

• Not over-exerting themselves in the first two weeks of work. 
• Drinking water hourly
• Obtaining adequate rest under the shade to facilitate recovery 
• Wearing loose-fitting and light-coloured attire outdoors
• Sponging themselves with water during meals or breaks

"Heat management is relevant to migrant workers as they work under intense sun exposure for long periods. I approached the Singapore Red Cross Academy's Centre for Humanitarian Education to curate a workshop on Heat Management," said Ms Tan Jia Qi, Executive, of the Singapore Red Cross' Community Engagement. She manages the Community Health on Wheels programme that cares for migrant workers.

"As a construction worker, heat management is important. We drink water regularly every day. We take breaks in between our work. I will share what I learnt with my friends to remind them to take breaks. If a person is sick, I will also let him know how we can help him," said Mr Md Mukul Hossine, a construction worker.

"It is good to learn about heat management to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. I share what I learnt about heat management with others," said Mr Panneerselvam Nelson Amaladass, an electrician.