The climate crisis is an ever-pressing issue that impacts all aspects of life, with a particular emphasis on the workplace. As global temperatures rise, occupational safety and health professionals increasingly confront the challenges posed by excessive heat. This issue is not only critical for worker safety but also has significant implications for productivity and economic stability.

The Rising Threat of Excessive Heat

The World Meteorological Organization reports that last year, the Earth experienced its hottest three-month period on record. As temperatures continue to soar, due to climate change, workers face increased exposure to heat stress, leading to severe health issues like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke. The World Health Organization highlights those extreme temperatures can exacerbate existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases​. Tackling excessive heat is crucial for minimizing these health risks.

Outdoor workers, particularly those in physically demanding industries like agriculture, construction, and forestry, feel the impact of heat most acutely. These workers are often the most vulnerable, with limited opportunities for mitigation​. However, indoor workers are not exempt from the effects of heat. Those working in environments not designed to handle high temperatures, such as factories with poor ventilation, are also at risk​. Managing excessive heat is essential for ensuring their safety.

The Economic and Legal Cost of Heat Stress

Heat stress not only affects the health of workers but also has a significant economic impact. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that by 2030, more than 2% of total working hours worldwide will be lost each year due to heat stress, equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs. In regions like Southern Asia and Western Africa, productivity losses could reach as high as 5%​. Therefore, addressing excessive heat is vital for economic stability.

Several countries have begun to recognize the need for legal protections against heat stress. In China, employers must, by law, reduce working hours and work intensity on hot days and suspend outdoor work when temperatures reach 40°C. The UAE, Qatar and a host of other Middle Eastern countries have implemented a mandatory midday break for outdoor workers during the hottest months​. Such laws are crucial for managing excessive heat and protecting workers.

In the State of Qatar, for example, the Ministry of Public Health has implemented regulations to protect workers from heat stress. These regulations require employers to monitor and manage the thermal environment to protect workers from extreme heat conditions. Measures include providing adequate hydration, ensuring regular breaks, and adjusting work schedules to avoid peak heat times. The ministry also mandates that employers educate workers on the signs of heat stress and provide necessary protective equipment to mitigate the effects of excessive heat.

These measures demonstrate a growing awareness of the need to protect workers from the dangers of heat. However, many regions, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, still lack comprehensive studies on the impact of heat stress on workers​. This gap in knowledge hinders the development of effective policies and regulations to address excessive heat.

The Role of the Health and Safety Professionals

Professionals play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. They must ensure their organizations recognize and address the impact of heat on workers. This includes advocating for the implementation of heat action plans, redesigning tasks, and amending work schedules to prioritize worker safety.

Adel Lawson, an occupational safety and health consultant at Demoura Lawson Consulting, emphasizes the need for employers to be proactive in reducing indoor temperatures and recognizing the additional risks faced by workers who are not adequately nourished or hydrated. Tackling excessive heat in this way is vital for worker safety.

Health and Safety professionals must continue to advocate for comprehensive policies and regulations that prioritize worker safety in the face of rising temperatures. This includes engaging with senior management to ensure that the issue is taken seriously and that appropriate measures are implemented to protect workers from excessive heat.

Moreover, there is a need for more high-quality research on the impact of heat stress across different regions and industries. This research will provide the evidence needed to drive policy changes and ensure adequate protection for workers from the dangers of excessive heat.