WHO Report Highlights Growing Risks of Extreme Heat for Workers

A report from the World Health Organization warns that extreme heat due to climate change poses significant health risks, particularly for construction and agricultural workers, prompting calls for adaptation strategies from employers and governments.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the escalating risks of extreme heat in the workplace, particularly for construction and agricultural workers, due to inadequately addressed climate change effects. In a recent collaborative report with the World Meteorological Organization, it was determined that millions of workers globally are increasingly vulnerable to heat stress, which not only jeopardizes their health but also diminishes their productivity.

This marks the WHO's first dedicated report on heat stress in the workplace since 1969, with Rüdiger Krech, WHO's director for environment, climate, and health, affirming the report's implications should serve as a wake-up call. As Krech stated, "It's not just discomfort; it's a real health risk," noting that prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 38°C can lead to severe health conditions such as heat-related illnesses, strokes, kidney failure, and dehydration.

As climate change drives an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, the World Meteorological Organization has reported that the past decade was the warmest on record, with predictions for 2024 to exceed previous highs. Temperatures reaching over 40°C (104°F) have become commonplace in parts of Europe, with the Mediterranean region averaging record-high temperatures of 26.68°C in July.

The WHO's findings underscore not just health implications but also the economic repercussions of extreme heat. Their report highlighted that productivity declines by 2% for every degree increase above 20°C, with an alarming increase in workplace accidents. A Swiss insurance fund reported that during the 2023 heatwave, accidents in workplaces surged by 7% when temperatures surpassed 30°C, attributing this rise to concentration difficulties and insomnia exacerbated by heat conditions.

In response to the urgent situation, certain European nations have begun implementing measures to protect workers. Italy recently adopted an emergency protocol to restrict work during peak heat hours, while construction activities were paused in Swiss cantons during the severe heatwave. Unia, Switzerland’s largest trade union, advocates for stricter safety measures in construction, stressing that prioritizing workers' wellness is essential even amid project urgencies.

Moreover, the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses are also at heightened risk during heatwaves, indicating that adaptations are necessary in schools as well as workplaces. In Germany, for example, schools can declare "Hitzefrei” to allow students to leave during extreme heat, a practice that is becoming less frequent as rising temperatures are more commonplace.

To enhance school environments amid soaring temperatures, stakeholders are discussing plans to install better ventilation and air-conditioning systems in educational facilities, as emphasized by Dagmar Rösler from Switzerland's teachers' association.

Rüdiger Krech posits that collaboration among governments, employers, and local authorities is crucial in addressing these challenges, highlighting that even mundane aspects of uniforms and working conditions must be re-evaluated to ensure comfort and productivity. Investment in climate adaptation is crucial, and Krech warns that neglecting immediate solutions could lead to greater economic consequences in the long run, particularly through productivity losses due to health impacts on workers. Thus, as the climate crisis continues to unfold, the imperative to protect vulnerable populations—including workers and students—has never been more urgent.