Heat Stress Poses Increasing Risk To Global Workforce, Says ILO Study

A recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, "Heat at work: Implications for safety and health," highlights the growing threat of heat stress to workers globally. The report estimates that in 2020, heatwaves claimed the lives of 4,200 workers worldwide. Additionally, 231 million workers were exposed to heatwaves in 2020, a significant increase of 66 percent from the year 2000.

The study reveals that regions unaccustomed to extreme heat will face heightened risks, while those already in hot climates will encounter even more perilous conditions. Workers in Africa, the Arab region, Asia, and the Pacific are most frequently exposed to excessive heat. In these areas, 92.9 percent, 83.6 percent, and 74.7 percent of the workforce are affected respectively, surpassing the global average of 71 percent.

Europe and Central Asia have seen the fastest-changing working conditions regarding heat exposure. From 2000 to 2020, these regions recorded a significant increase in excessive heat exposure among workers by 17.3 percent, nearly double the global average rise.

The Americas and Europe are experiencing notable increases in workplace injuries due to heat stress since 2000. The rise is attributed to hotter temperatures in areas where workers are not accustomed to such conditions. Specifically, injuries have increased by 33.3 percent and 16.4 percent respectively.

Heat stress is described as an invisible and silent killer that can rapidly lead to illness, heatstroke or death. Over time, it can cause severe heart, lung and kidney issues for workers.

Economic Impact

The ILO report emphasises that low- and middle-income economies are particularly affected by workplace injuries from excessive heat. These costs can reach approximately 1.5 percent of national GDP due to lost income and medical expenses.

"This is a human rights issue, a workers’ rights issue, and an economic issue," stated ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. He added that improved safety measures could save up to US$361 billion globally.

Call for Global Action

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the urgency of addressing this global challenge: "If there is one thing that unites our divided world, it’s that we’re all increasingly feeling the heat." He called for enhanced protections for workers based on human rights principles.

The ILO underscores that nine out of ten workers globally endure excessive heat outside of heatwaves. Furthermore, eight out of ten occupational injuries from extreme heat occur outside of these periods.

As temperatures continue to rise worldwide, protecting workers from year-round heat stress becomes crucial. The report calls for year-round action plans and legislation to safeguard workers' health and safety against excessive heat.

The findings indicate that addressing this issue requires stronger global collaboration among experts to harmonise assessments and interventions related to workplace heat stress.

The impact of rising temperatures on workers is becoming a pressing global concern that demands immediate attention and action from all stakeholders involved.

With inputs from WAM