A new report from the World Health Organization reveals the escalating threats posed by workplace heat stress due to climate change, urging collaboration between governments, employers, and workers on adaptation measures. The report highlights the health risks of extreme temperatures, particularly for construction workers, while also calling for protective strategies for vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.
WHO Issues Urgent Call for Workplace Heat Adaptation Amid Climate Crisis
WHO Issues Urgent Call for Workplace Heat Adaptation Amid Climate Crisis
As climate change intensifies, the WHO warns of rising heat-related health risks to workers, particularly in construction, emphasizing the need for immediate adaptation strategies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an urgent alarm regarding the increasing risks of extreme heat in the workplace, particularly affecting construction workers. A collaborative report from the WHO and the World Meteorological Organization highlights that climate change is leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, putting millions at risk of heat stress that negatively impacts both health and work performance.
According to WHO's Director of Environment, Climate, and Health Rüdiger Krech, this report marks a pivotal moment, being the first of its kind since 1969 specifically addressing heat stress in work environments. Krech emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, "It is not just discomfort. It is a real health risk," noting that prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 38C can lead to severe health complications such as strokes and kidney failure.
The prevalence of heatwaves is no longer a rare phenomenon. The World Meteorological Organization has reported that the last decade has witnessed the highest global temperatures on record, with 2024 poised to be the hottest year yet. In Europe, temperatures exceeding 40C (104F) are increasingly common, while some regions in Africa and the Middle East are experiencing extreme highs of 50C.
Beyond health concerns, heatwaves significantly impact workforce productivity. Research indicates that for each degree rise above 20C, productivity declines by 2%. Additionally, an increase in temperature correlates with an uptick in workplace accidents; for instance, Switzerland’s national accident insurance fund revealed a 7% increase in accidents during a heatwave when temperatures surpassed 30C.
In response to growing concerns, some European nations have begun implementing measures to protect workers from extreme heat. The Italian government recently enacted an emergency decree, which includes a protocol to avoid outdoor work during peak heat hours. Similarly, construction activities were halted in Geneva and Ticino during the 2023 heatwave, a decision welcomed by the trade union Unia.
The report also underscores the broader implications of heatwaves, warning that vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children, face significant risks. In Germany, measures such as "Hitzefrei" (heat-free) days were commonplace when temperatures rose above 30C in past decades. However, with such temperatures now becoming the norm, schools are more hesitant to cancel classes frequently.
As summer temperatures in Switzerland climbed above 30C, educational institutions were advised to adapt by taking classes to swimming pools, although educators expressed the impracticality of this method. The need for modernized school infrastructure, including better ventilation and air conditioning, has been highlighted by educators like Dagmar Rösler.
In light of the report, WHO advocates for collaborative adaptations involving governments, businesses, and health and education entities. Krech suggested reevaluating school uniforms to better accommodate heatwaves as part of broader discussions on adaptation strategies. Nonetheless, the necessary investments for modernizing workplaces and educational settings may pose challengers, especially as many governments prioritize defense spending over climate adaptation.
Krech cautions against the shortsightedness of neglecting necessary adaptations due to budgeting concerns. He warned, "If you need to stop producing, if you have your workers with severe health effects because of extended heatwaves, then think about the productivity losses that you have." The WHO's insights implore workplaces, educational institutions, and governments to urgently reconsider their priorities in the face of escalating climate challenges.
