Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense worldwide, posing significant health and safety risks to the global workforce. Over half of the global population is now exposed to high heat episodes, including more than one billion workers. April 2024 marked the hottest April on record, and this trend continued into June with reports of unusually high temperatures across Europe.
Rising Heat-Related Assistance Calls
International SOS, a leading health and security services company, has reported an 86% increase in client calls for heat-related assistance from 2021 to 2022, followed by a further 25% increase in 2023. These rising numbers highlight the growing concern over heat-related health issues among workers globally.
Impact on Workforce Health
Heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion are primary concerns for workers in extreme heat conditions. These conditions not only decrease productivity but also increase the risk of accidents and fatalities. Annually, excessive heat contributes to 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 work-related deaths globally. By 2030, it is projected that more than 2% of total working hours worldwide will be lost annually due to heat-related constraints, equivalent to a productivity loss of 80 million full-time jobs. This impact is anticipated to be particularly severe in Southern Asia and Western Africa, where lost work hours could potentially reach 5%.
Occupational Risks
Various sectors are affected by extreme weather events, with outdoor and physically demanding occupations at heightened risk. Even indoor settings like factories and workshops are vulnerable if internal temperatures are not adequately controlled. High heat levels can impair cognitive function and physical performance, making routine tasks challenging and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Expert Perspective
Dr. Katherine O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, emphasized the evolving challenge posed by heatwaves: “Occupational heat stress, once primarily an outdoor concern, now extends to indoor workplaces due to rising temperatures. Organizations must integrate comprehensive heat stress risk assessments into their health and safety policies. Training employees to recognize early signs of heat illness is crucial. Early intervention can prevent medical emergencies and long-term health issues.”
Preventive Measures and Guidelines
International SOS offers guidelines to mitigate heat-related health risks:
- Conduct heat-specific risk assessments: Regularly assess operations for heat stress hazards, identify high-risk areas and activities, and consider vulnerable employee profiles.
- Integrate heat safety into policies: Make heat stress prevention a core component of health and safety policies. Provide shaded break areas, hydration stations, and suitable workwear for high temperatures.
- Provide heat stress awareness training: Implement climate-specific training programs emphasizing safe work practices in extreme heat. Educate employees on hydration, sun protection, and adjusting work pace during high temperatures.
- Develop robust heat response protocols: Establish clear procedures for responding to heat-related illnesses, including first aid and emergency evacuation plans.
- Continuously review and update protocols: Regularly update response plans to incorporate the latest information and best practices for heat safety.
The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves pose a significant threat to global workforce health and safety. Organizations must proactively address these challenges through comprehensive risk assessments, policy integration, employee training, and robust response protocols. By doing so, they can protect their workers, maintain productivity, and mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat on their operations.
