“A combination of interventions for preventing exposure and health surveillance of workers can reduce workplace heat stress exposure, manage physiological heat strain, and prevent short- and long-term health effects,” according to a joint report by the World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization.
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Two UN agencies have called on employers to step up heat prevention measures and workers surveillance on workplaces amid rising temperatures globally.
More frequent and intense extreme heat events are increasing the risks for both outdoor and indoor workers. In a new report published last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that approximately half the global population suffers adverse consequences of high temperatures. These range from heat exhaustion, with symptoms including heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness, to heatstroke, which is marked by a high body temperature, confusion, and loss of consciousness and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
While mild, isolated episodes of heat exhaustion do not usually lead to long-term health consequences, recurring episodes do. Severe and repeated heat exhaustion can induce tissue and organ damage, increasing long-term morbidity and mortality, according to the report.
But extreme heat does not just affect health. Last week’s report found that for every degree above 24C, worker productivity drops by an average 2.6%. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that more than 2% of the world’s total working hours could be lost every year to climate-induced extreme temperatures by 2030, reaching 5% in Southern Asia and Western Africa.
Holistic approach
According to the UN agencies, “[a] combination of interventions for preventing exposure and health surveillance of workers can reduce workplace heat stress exposure, manage physiological heat strain, and prevent short- and long-term health effects.”
The report, which marks the agencies’ first update on heat stress at work since the 1960s, says the development of heat prevention strategies must involve all stakeholders, from workers and trade unions to health experts and local authorities. The plans must be locally relevant and pay particular attention to vulnerable groups, including middle-aged and older workers, individuals with chronic health conditions and those with lower physical fitness, it added.
It also emphasized the importance of educating and raising awareness among first responders, health professionals, employers, and workers to promptly recognize and treat heat stress symptoms.
Recommendations included posting urine colour charts in toilets, create areas where workers can immerse their arms in cool water and rehydrate, and monitor body weight loss from dehydration. Workers should also be educated on how to properly recover from consecutive days working in extreme heat conditions, such as by maximizing sleep quality.
“This report represents a critical milestone in our collective response to the growing threat of extreme heat in the world of work,” said Joaquim Pintado Nunes, ILO’s Chief of Occupational Safety and Health and the Working Environment. “Together with WHO and WMO, we call for urgent, coordinated action to safeguard the health, safety and dignity of the more than 2.4 billion workers exposed to excessive heat worldwide.”
Inadequate Heat Warning Systems
In Hong Kong, a study by the local group Concern for Grassroots’ Livelihood Alliance found that 90% of the street cleaners they interviewed reported experiencing fatigue, thirst, headaches, dizziness, and nausea while working, despite their employers providing portable fans.
“I have to drink seven bottles of drinks a day, including water, homemade herbal tea, energy drinks, and more,” Pattie, a 55-year-old cleaner, told Hong Kong Free Press in July. “Sometimes, when it’s too hot, even the taste of water makes me feel nauseous,” she added.
Other street cleaners interviewed by Earth.Org in July echoed Pattie’s statement.
“The weather is too hot to bear. Even taking a breath is difficult, let alone working. The exhaust in the back alley is terrible – there’s air conditioner exhaust and the oily fumes from the cha chaan tengs [Hong Kong-style cafes],” a cleaner surnamed Yu told Earth.Org in Cantonese.
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With temperatures rising in the city in line with the global trend, the Hong Kong government implemented a three-tier Heat Stress at Work Warning system ranging from amber to red and black, advising employers to provide rest breaks to prevent heatstroke among outdoor workers. But local NGOs have repeatedly warned that the system does not adequately protect workers from extreme heat. They cite it not being legally binding and the excessive hurdles it sets for workers to receive a rest break or suspend work.
Hong Kong outdoor workers are not alone. In June 2024, UK trade unions called on the government to adopt a new legal maximum temperature of 30C at work. At the time of writing, the UK has regulations in place that set a minimum temperature for indoor workplaces but no maximum temperature.
“Working in sweltering conditions can be unbearable and dangerous,” particularly for those working in “overheated shops, baking offices, or toiling outdoors in direct sun,” said Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Secretary Paul Nowak. He added that indoor workplaces need to be kept cool with relaxed dress codes and flexible working hours to make use of the coolest parts of the day, and stressed that employers must ensure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen, and the right protective clothing.”
Nowak said workers are “struggling to cope” and urged the government to improve the law, invest in resilience and deliver climate action as extreme heat becomes “the norm.”
Featured image: Kyle Lam/hongkongfp.com.
💡How to stay safe in extreme heat
- 💧Stay hydrated: Drink around two liters of water per day, or about eight glasses. In heat conditions, experts recommend drinking throughout the day and urinating around six to seven times a day, or every two to three hours.
- 🍉Eat nutritious food: Stick to hydrating, fresh food such as watermelon, peaches, berries, grapes, and oranges, vegetables that can be juiced, as well as liquid meals such as soups. Avoid spicy foods, known to make the body sweat. Avoid cooking at home, and opt for the microwave instead of the oven if you have to.
- 💦Exercise responsibly: If you exercise outdoors, take breaks in the shade or indoors to allow your body to cool down faster. Wear sensible attire, such as lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics, such as cotton, linen, bamboo, polyester, nylon and microfiber. Hydrate well before a workout and drinking throughout every 15-20 minutes, especially when the physical activity lasts longer than an hour.
- 🌡️Follow local weather services: Check local meteorological services or news channels regularly, as they provide real-time updates and alerts about heat advisories and warnings. Local governments and emergency management agencies often post timely updates on social media platforms as well so keep them monitored.
- 📱Use weather apps: Download reputable weather apps that provide notifications about extreme heat conditions. Many of these apps allow users to set alerts for specific weather events in their area.
- ❗Sign up for emergency alerts: Many cities have rolled out local emergency notification systems or community alert programs that citizens can easily enroll in. These services often send text or email alerts directly to residents during extreme weather events, including heatwaves.
For more tips, check out our article on this topic. To learn more about the risks of extreme heat and how the world is adapting, you can read our 3-part series on extreme heat.
