Stay Safe: WHO Issues Urgent Warning About Workplace Extreme Heat Risks – BBC News

Workers worldwide face increasing heat stress due to climate change, with more frequent heatwaves. A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights the urgent need for better protection in workplaces, especially in sectors like construction and agriculture.

Millions of workers are affected by extreme heat, which compromises their health and productivity. Rüdiger Krech, the director of environment, climate, and health at WHO, emphasizes that this isn’t just about discomfort—it’s a real health threat. When body temperatures exceed 38°C, the risk of serious issues like heat stress, strokes, and kidney failure rises significantly.

Recent statistics reinforce these concerns. The last decade has recorded some of the highest temperatures, with 2024 set to be the hottest year. In parts of Europe, temperatures have reached 40°C or higher. The Mediterranean region saw average surface temperatures hitting a staggering 26.68°C in July, marking a historic high. The UK’s Met Office reported that this summer is on track to be among the warmest since records began in 1884.

The impact of extreme heat extends beyond health. The report notes that for every degree rise above 20°C, productivity decreases by 2%. During Europe’s recent heatwave, Switzerland’s national accident insurance fund noted a 7% increase in workplace accidents when temperatures exceeded 30°C. This uptick is attributed to factors like decreased concentration and sleep loss due to heat.

In response, some countries are taking action. Italy recently enacted a decree to halt work during the day’s hottest hours. In Switzerland, construction paused during extreme heat periods, a move endorsed by Unia, Switzerland’s largest trade union. Union representative Nico Lutz stressed the need for construction firms to accept responsibility for worker safety, suggesting that ensuring safe working conditions often leads to slightly longer project timelines.

The WHO report doesn’t only focus on workers; it warns that vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children also face significant risks during heatwaves. In Germany, schools can declare “Hitzefrei,” allowing students to leave when temperatures rise. However, as these high temperatures become commonplace, maintaining consistent schooling is challenging. Teachers in Switzerland received guidance to find innovative solutions, like outdoor activities, to keep classes engaging despite the heat.

Krech highlighted that addressing issues related to heat stress and adapting institutions to cope will require collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities. He posed a question regarding whether school uniforms in the UK were suitable for extreme heat, pointing to the need for practical changes to everyday life.

Despite the pressing nature of these issues, adapting our environment to cope with rising temperatures will involve significant investment. Many governments, especially in Europe, are prioritizing defense spending over climate adaptation. Krech warns that neglecting these urgent changes could result in higher costs in the long run, especially if productivity declines due to health impacts from heat.

For more information about the impact of climate change on health and productivity, check out the WHO’s official resources here.

In summary, heat stress is an escalating issue, calling for immediate action to protect worker health and ensure a productive future in a warming world.

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