A new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that heat stress is becoming a growing threat to workers’ health and lives worldwide. The report, “Heat at work: Implications for safety and health,” reveals that more workers are being exposed to heat stress globally, with regions previously unaccustomed to extreme heat facing increased risks.
According to the report, 71% of workers worldwide are exposed to excessive heat, with Africa, the Arab states, and Asia and the Pacific being the most affected regions. The fastest-changing working conditions are seen in Europe and Central Asia, with a 17.3% increase in excessive heat exposure from 2000 to 2020.
Heat stress can cause illness, heatstroke, and even death, as well as long-term health problems such as heart, lung, and kidney issues. The report estimates that 4,200 workers globally lost their lives to heatwaves in 2020, with 231 million workers exposed to heatwaves that year.
The ILO is calling for improved safety and health measures to prevent injuries from excessive heat in the workplace, which could save up to $361 billion globally in lost income and medical treatment expenses. The report emphasizes that this is a human rights issue, a workers’ rights issue, and an economic issue, with low- and middle-income economies being the most affected.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that the impact of heat on workers worldwide is becoming a global issue, requiring action to protect workers and step up protections grounded in human rights.