>>>ANSA/ Excessive heat threatens the health of 2.4 billion workers

There are 2.4 billion of them in the world workers who see their health threatened due to the excessive heat, which is also responsible for 22.85 million accidents at work every year. The estimates are contained in a report of the World Health Organization (WHO) and of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which is based also on recent investigations by the International Organization of Work (ILO). Temperatures of 40, if not even 50 degrees, recorded in recent months, constitute a danger for the health not only for the general population (about half of the world population suffers the negative consequences of high temperatures), but also for exposed workers, in the exercise of one's profession, to excessive heat, both outdoors than indoors. Heat stroke, dehydration, dysfunctions kidney and neurological disorders are the main threats to the health of workers, who also see their productivity of 2-3% for each degree above 20. A problem more relevant than ever after 2024 has passed to history as the hottest year on record, and a 2025 so far much warmer than average. These data, the report underlines, "they are a clear indication that action is needed immediate action to address the worsening impact of the heat stress on workers around the world." "Heat stress is already damaging health and resources of subsistence of billions of workers, especially in the most vulnerable communities," said Jeremy Farrar, WHO Deputy Director-General for Health Promotion, the prevention and treatment of diseases". Among the actions recommended in a specific guide by the two organizations, plans and tailored alerts that take into account weather patterns; special attention to vulnerable populations; educating first responders about the symptoms of Heat stress. Also suggest practical solutions. affordable and environmentally sustainable, and further research and evaluation to strengthen the effectiveness of heat health measures at work. "Together with the WHO and to the WMO - said Joaquim Pintado Nunes, director of the ILO for Safety and Health at Work and the Environment work - we call for urgent and coordinated action to safeguard the health, safety and dignity of the over 2.4 billion workers exposed to excessive heat worldwide the world". "Occupational heat stress - declared the Deputy Secretary General of the WMO Ko Barrett - has become a global social challenge, which is no longer confined to countries located near the equator, as evidenced by the recent wave of Heatwaves in Europe. Protecting workers from extreme heat. it is not just a matter of imperative health but a necessity economic".