Heat stress endangers workers globally, ILO sounds alarm
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — Heat stress remains a growing threat to workers worldwide, according to a recent report by the International Labour Organization.
The study, titled “Heat at work: Implications for safety and health,” paints a grim picture of the increasing risks faced by workers due to rising temperatures and extreme heat conditions.
“Excessive heat is creating unprecedented challenges for workers worldwide year-round, and not only during periods of intense heatwaves,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo.
Global impact of heat stress
The report reveals that workers in Africa (92.9%), the Arab states (83.6%), and Asia and the Pacific (74.7%) are most frequently exposed to excessive heat.
These figures surpass the global average of 71%, based on the most recent data from 2020.
Europe and Central Asia have experienced the most rapid change in working conditions. From 2000 to 2020, these regions saw a 17.3% increase in excessive heat exposure, nearly double the global average increase.
The Americas and Europe and Central Asia have noted the highest increases in workplace injuries due to heat stress, at 33.3% and 16.4% respectively since 2000.
The report estimates that 4,200 workers globally lost their lives to heatwaves in 2020. In total, 231 million workers were exposed to heatwaves that year, marking a 66% increase from 2000.
Economic impact and call for global action
The ILO emphasizes the need for improved safety and health measures in workplaces to prevent injuries related to excessive heat, which could potentially save up to US$361 billion globally in lost income and medical treatment expenses.
“This is a human rights issues, a workers’ rights issue, and an economic issue, and middle-income economies are bearing the biggest brunt,” added Houngbo.
“We need year-round heat action plans and legislation to protect workers, and stronger global collaboration among experts to harmonize heat stress assessments and interventions at work.”
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also weighed in, saying, “If there is one thing that unites our divided world, it’s that we’re all increasingly feeling the heat. Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere. We must rise to the challenge of rising temperatures – and step up protections for workers, grounded in human rights.”
The report also reviews legislative measures across 21 countries, seeking to extract common features that could guide the creation of effective workplace heat safety plans.
Climate jobs surge as companies respond
Companies across various industries are expanding their workforce dedicated to addressing environmental challenges.
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a real-estate management firm, has doubled its climate-focused staff to about 900 employees in recent years, while also investing heavily in training its broader workforce of 100,000 on integrating sustainability into daily operations.
Meanwhile, Contentsquare, a digital experience analytics company, mandates train travel for employee trips under four hours to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
A study by Revelio Labs reveals that demand for jobs mentioning climate response or extreme weather has tripled since 2018.
