WHO, WMO Issue Report on Heat Stress Protection for Workers
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protecting Workers from Extreme Heat: A Growing Global Health Crisis
Table of Contents
New WHO/WMO report details escalating risks to worker health and productivity as global temperatures rise,with actionable guidance for mitigation.
The Rising Threat of Workplace Heat Stress
As climate change accelerates, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are increasing, posing a important and growing threat to the health and livelihoods of workers worldwide. The new report, Climate change and workplace heat stress, underscores that this is no longer a problem confined to equatorial regions; recent heatwaves in Europe demonstrate the expanding reach of this crisis.
“Heat stress is already harming the health and livelihoods of billions of workers, especially in the most vulnerable communities,” stated Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO assistant Director-General, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care.”This new guidance offers practical,evidence-based solutions to protect lives,reduce inequality,and build more resilient workforces in a warming world.”
Key Findings: The Impact of Heat on Workers
The report synthesizes five decades of research, revealing a stark picture of the health and economic consequences of workplace heat stress. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
- Increased Frequency & Intensity: Extreme heat events are becoming more common and severe, impacting both outdoor and indoor workers.
- Productivity Losses: Worker productivity declines by an estimated 2-3% for every degree Celsius above 20°C (68°F). This translates to significant economic losses globally.
- Serious Health Risks: Exposure to extreme heat can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular strain, impacting long-term health and economic security.
- Widespread Impact: Approximately half of the global population now experiences adverse health consequences due to high temperatures.
Economic costs of Heat Stress
The economic implications of heat stress are ample. Beyond lost productivity, healthcare costs associated with heat-related illnesses are rising. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that globally,over 2.2 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat. This exposure results in an estimated 70 million workdays lost each year due to heat-related illness, costing the global economy trillions of dollars annually.
| Region | Estimated Annual Workday Losses (Millions) | Estimated Economic Loss (USD Billions) |
|---|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific | 43 | 1,200 |
| Latin America & Caribbean | 12 | 300 |
| Africa | 8 | 200 |
| Europe | 3 | 75 |
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