Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have issued a stern warning about the severe impact of rising global temperatures on workers’ health and productivity. In a new guide for governments, employers, and health authorities, the agencies emphasize the urgent need to mitigate these risks.
The Growing Challenge of Extreme Heat
According to the WHO and WMO, extreme heat conditions are becoming increasingly challenging in workplaces worldwide. Many employees face hazardous heat conditions regularly, with the frequency and intensity of such episodes rising significantly. This heightens risks for workers both outdoors and indoors, particularly those in sectors like agriculture, construction, and fishing.
Productivity and Health Impacts
The productivity of workers decreases by 2% to 3% for every degree above 20°C. Health risks associated with extreme heat include heatstroke, dehydration, renal dysfunction, and neurological disorders.
Global Reach of the Problem
Ko Barrett, WMO’s Assistant Secretary-General, highlighted that occupational heat stress has become a global social challenge, affecting countries far from the equator, as evidenced by recent heatwaves in Europe.
“Protecting workers from extreme heat is not just a health imperative but also an economic necessity,” Barrett stated.
2.4 Billion Workers Affected
The WHO and WMO call for tailored action plans against workplace heat, considering specific industries and regions. The guidelines are based on the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) findings that over 2.4 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat worldwide, comprising 71% of the global workforce.
This results in more than 22.85 million work-related accidents annually and nearly 19,000 deaths.
“Without bold and coordinated action, thermal stress will become one of the most devastating occupational risks of our time, causing significant losses in human lives and productivity,” warned Joaquim Pintado Nunes, Director of Occupational Safety and Health Department at the ILO.
Investing in effective prevention and protection strategies could save the planet billions of dollars each year.
Outdated Resources and Climate Change
Rüdiger Krech, WHO’s Environment Director, noted that while the world has changed dramatically since the organization’s last technical report on workplace heat stress in 1969, what has remained constant is the growing severity of the issue.
Scientists confirm that heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent globally due to human-induced climate change.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern raised by WHO and WMO? The agencies warn of the serious health risks extreme heat poses to workers, impacting their productivity and overall well-being.
- How many workers are affected by excessive heat? Over 2.4 billion workers worldwide are exposed to excessive heat, representing 71% of the global workforce.
- What are the health risks associated with extreme heat? Health risks include heatstroke, dehydration, renal dysfunction, and neurological disorders.
- Why is it crucial to address this issue? Without action, thermal stress will become one of the most devastating occupational risks, causing significant losses in human lives and productivity.
- What is the role of climate change in this problem? Climate change, driven by human activities, is causing more intense and frequent heatwaves globally.
