The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a new report, Heat at Work: Implications for Safety and Health, warning of the escalating threat of heat stress for workers worldwide. The study highlights that more workers are being exposed to dangerous levels of heat stress, particularly in regions unaccustomed to extreme temperatures, as well as in already hot climates where conditions are worsening.
Heat Stress: A Growing Danger
Heat stress is described as an invisible and silent killer that can quickly lead to illness, heatstroke, or even death. Long-term exposure can cause severe health issues, including heart, lung, and kidney problems. The report underscores the urgent need for action to protect workers from these risks.
Regional Impact
According to the report, workers in Africa, the Arab states, and Asia and the Pacific are most frequently exposed to excessive heat. In these regions, 92.9%, 83.6%, and 74.7% of the workforce, respectively, are affected, surpassing the global average of 71%.
The report also identifies Europe and Central Asia as experiencing the fastest-changing working conditions, with a 17.3% increase in excessive heat exposure from 2000 to 2020, nearly double the global average increase.
Rising Workplace Injuries
The Americas, along with Europe and Central Asia, have witnessed the largest rise in workplace injuries related to heat stress since 2000, with increases of 33.3% and 16.4%, respectively. These increases are attributed to hotter temperatures in regions where workers are less accustomed to heat.
In 2020 alone, the report estimates that 4,200 workers worldwide lost their lives to heatwaves. A total of 231 million workers were exposed to heatwaves in that year, marking a 66% increase from 2000. The report emphasizes that the majority of workers exposed to excessive heat, as well as most heat-related occupational injuries, occur outside of heatwaves.
Call to Action
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo stressed the need for year-round protection against heat stress, noting the unprecedented challenges posed by rising temperatures. He highlighted that improved safety and health measures could save up to US$361 billion globally in lost income and medical expenses.
The report notes that low- and middle-income economies are particularly affected, with the costs of heat-related injuries reaching about 1.5% of national GDP in these regions.
“This is a human rights issue, a workers’ rights issue, and an economic issue,” said Houngbo. “Middle-income economies are bearing the biggest brunt. We need year-round heat action plans and legislation to protect workers, and stronger global collaboration among experts to harmonize heat stress assessments and interventions at work.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these concerns, stating, “If there is one thing that unites our divided world, it’s that we’re all increasingly feeling the heat. Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere. We must rise to the challenge of rising temperatures – and step up protections for workers, grounded in human rights.”
Recommendations
The ILO report examines legislative measures in 21 countries to identify common features for creating effective workplace heat safety plans. It also outlines key concepts for a safety and health management system to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries.
Building on a previous report from April, which indicated that climate change is creating a “cocktail” of health hazards for 2.4 billion workers exposed to excessive heat, the current findings emphasize the need for urgent global action. The April report revealed that excessive heat causes 22.85 million occupational injuries and claims 18,970 lives each year.
As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, the ILO calls for concerted efforts to address the growing threat of heat stress and ensure the safety and health of workers worldwide.