David Bass - Managing Director

Transcription

1 David Bass - Managing Director Ubique EHS Management Solutions FZ LLC يوبيك لحلول إدارة أنظمت البيئت والصحت والسالمت Associated in Abu Dhabi with

2 The Holy Month Preparations and Considerations entering the Holy Month of Ramadan

3 The Facts Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting from dawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. The dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards about ten days each year as it is dependant on the moon. When fasting is over, Muslims go to mosques in formal clothes to pray the first Eid prayer. They give presents to the young and greet friends and families. They then thank God for what he has given them.

4 The Origins "Ramadan" has been the name of the ninth month in Arabian culture long before Islam. The word derived from words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of rations. In the Holy Qu'ran, Allah proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". During the month "the night of decree" or Laylat al-qadr is considered the most holy night of the year, as it is the night in which the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad (PBuH). Ramadan ends with Eid ul-fitr on the 1 st of Shawwal with much celebration and feasting. Understand that during Shawwal Muslims are encouraged to fast for a further six days. This is as-sitta al Shawwal.

5 Ramadan Timings The timings change daily and from city to city. They are guided by sunrise and sunset at each location. These are the expected dates for Abu Dhabi. First Day 1 st.august.2011 Fajr (start of the fast) is 4:21am Last Day 30 th.august.2011

6 Fasting During Ramadan There are Five Pillars of Islam. Fasting during the Holy Month is the Third Pillar or Sawm This is to abstain each day from all bodily pleasures between sunrise and sunset. Not only is food and water forbidden, but also smoking, chewing gum, and any sexual activity. Muslims should also not think or do anything evil. Not drinking and eating during daylight hours and having less sleep during the night is a big change and can cause problems if not planned correctly. Fasting can cause temporary low blood sugar, dehydration and fatigue so you have to look after yourself and do it right. Late nights will also cause fatigue.

7 Low Blood Sugar This occurs when the sugar (glucose) in the blood drops to a lower than normal level. Symptoms: You feel more tired, irritable and may get a headache, faintness or be light-headed. Hunger can lead to stomach pains and loss of concentration. What you can do: Use Iftaar to eat a healthy diet shortly after nightfall. Break the fast with dates, milk and water Eat well at Suhur to gain necessary sugar and energy for the whole day.

8 The Right Food Types Eat well: Pasta, rice and potatoes Whole grain breads and cereals Fruit and vegetables Fish, lean meats Soybeans, tofu and beans Skimmed or low-fat milk and cheese products.

9 Dehydration Dehydration occurs when the amount of water in the body falls below normal, which can disrupt the balance of sugars and salts (electrolytes) What you may notice: Darker yellow (to brown) urine and intense thirst Weakness, fatigue, and lethargy Headache, feeling faint or lightheaded Dry or sticky mouth What you can do: Drink lots of water after Iftaar and at Suhur (try for 8-10 glasses in total) Use Suhur to ensure satisfy your need for water before the new day begins. Caffeine dehydrates you - Avoid soft drinks, coffee and tea in the morning. Keep yourself cool by towel baths to reduce the rate of dehydration

10 Fatigue Sleep habits often change during Ramadan as you stay up late into the night and wake up early for Suhur. How will it affect you? Without sufficient sleep you might have: impaired performance irritability and lack of concentration daytime drowsiness How much sleep do you need? Seven hours of uninterrupted sleep is important to your well-being. There is a sleep bank account and affects build up after each night of not sleeping well or not sleeping enough If one night you don t get much sleep, try to make up for it the next night. Recommending to sleep early (not later than 9 pm to 10 pm)

11 Increased Risks You are most at risk at these times: The first few days of Ramadan While Driving Between 12 noon and 3 pm Your first two days working after days off Near the end of the working day When activity levels are high in your work area Care for your fellow man: Work with your gang members to help each other when feeling tired Let Supervisors know when you don t feel up for a task Special care with hazardous tasks Talk about hazards and make sure everyone is aware of them!

12 Site Preparations Management Responsibilities: Develop and follow a work schedule with both The Holy Month and Summer Timings taken into account Encourage employees to look after each other Avoid travel to and from work during Iftaar. Educate new employees and non-muslims to laws regarding not eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public Provided shielded drinking and eating points for non-muslims Be mindful and respectful of others observing Ramadan during meetings as well as site and office visits.

13 Ramadan Kareem from Ubique EHS Management Solutions FZ LLC يوبيك لحلول إدارة أنظمت البيئت والصحت والسالمت