WHO: Employers should better protect workers from heat stress

Workers need better protection against heat stress. Photo: Pexels / Marcus Aurelius

Employers and governments must do more to protect workers from heat stress, warns the World Health Organization (WHO), which points to the increasing risks posed by extreme heat.

Research shows that for every degree above 20 degrees, productivity decreases by 2 to 3 percent.

Heat stress occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, dehydration, and in severe cases, even kidney failure or neurological problems. The WHO emphasizes that the risks exist not only outdoors, but also indoors. Think of poorly ventilated workspaces or production halls where temperatures rise rapidly.

An estimated 358,000 workers in the Netherlands experience heat stress, according to figures from TNO published in June. They are exposed to harmful heat for an average of over eighty hours annually, approximately two full workweeks.

"The health and livelihoods of billions of workers worldwide are already being harmed by heat stress, especially in vulnerable communities," says Jeremy Farrar, WHO's chief scientist. Workers in construction, agriculture, and fishing are particularly at risk. But drivers, cleaners, and warehouse workers can also face problems due to high temperatures.

In addition to workers, children and the elderly are also vulnerable to the effects of prolonged heat, especially in developing countries where access to cooling and healthcare is limited.

The WHO therefore advocates for targeted heat plans per sector and region. These should be developed in collaboration with employers, employees, unions, and health experts. Consider measures such as adjusted working hours, mandatory drink breaks, and cooler workspaces.

According to the WHO and the WMO, 2024 was the warmest year ever recorded globally. Their conclusions are based on fifty years of research. Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change, making protection against heat stress increasingly urgent.