Employers need to take serious steps to protect workers from heat stress. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently emphasized the importance of heat stress plans. These plans might include simple tools like urine color charts in restrooms, cool water immersion stations, and monitoring body weight loss due to dehydration.
Heat exposure is affecting many globally. Around half of the world’s population regularly experiences extreme heat, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C. This issue is growing more urgent, especially as climate change leads to longer, harsher heatwaves.
Recent statistics reveal alarming trends. For instance, Spain may soon declare disaster zones in areas hit by wildfires. This year alone, Europe has seen more land burned than in any year since 2006. Last year was recorded as the hottest globally, highlighting a pressing need for action.
Rüdiger Krech from the WHO pointed out that not addressing heat stress can be fatal. He noted a “worrying rise” in heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration, particularly in demanding sectors like agriculture and construction. Workers often need effective cooling strategies, such as installing fans or scheduling shifts during cooler hours.
Occupational heat stress isn’t confined to hot climates anymore. In fact, the recent heatwave in Europe shows that it’s a global challenge. A study by the WHO and WMO found that productivity drops by 2-3% for every degree above 20°C. The implications can be serious: immediate risks include heat exhaustion, while long-term exposure can lead to kidney and neurological problems.
The WHO also highlighted that environmental factors like humidity, machinery radiation, and clothing types contribute to heat stress. Protective clothing, like those worn by health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, can prevent effective cooling.
Last year, the International Labour Organization reported that over 2.4 billion workers faced excessive heat, leading to around 23 million work-related injuries annually. As heat stress grows more common, focusing on preventive measures can help save lives and improve working conditions.
For more on this topic, check out the data from the International Labour Organization.
