Climate Change & Workplace Heat Stress Report

The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a joint report, Climate Change and Workplace Heat Stress, highlighting the escalating global health risks of extreme heat for workers worldwide due to climate change.

Heat- Stress Impact on Workers

Key Findings:
- Extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, with daytime temperatures exceeding 40–50°C in many regions, affecting both outdoor and indoor workers.
- Worker productivity drops 2–3% per degree above 20°C. Health risks including heatstroke, dehydration, kidney, and neurological disorders, which now impact half the global population, with heat stress spreading beyond equatorial regions.
- Over 2.4 billion workers face excessive heat globally, causing 22.85 million occupational injuries annually (ILO).
Vulnerable groups: Manual workers in agriculture, construction, and fisheries; middle-aged and older adults; low-income populations; children and elderly in developing countries.
Recommendations: Formulate occupational heat-health policies; raise awareness among workers, employers, and health professionals; engage stakeholders in co-creating locally relevant strategies.
- Implement practical, affordable, and sustainable solutions; leverage technology; promote research and evaluation.
- It aligns with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Read More: Heat Waves in India

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