By Victor Ahiuma-Young 

The International Labour Organization, ILO, has raised the alarm over increasing exposure of workers to heat stress globally.

It warns that excessive heat alone causes 22.85 million occupational injuries and the loss of 18,970 lives each year.

In a new report on Heat at work: Implications for safety and health, the ILO informed that a new data reveals that regions previously unaccustomed to extreme heat will face increased risks, while workers in already hot climates will confront ever more dangerous conditions.

The ILO report looks at legislative measures in 21 countries worldwide to find common features that can guide the creation of effective workplace heat safety plans. It also describes the key concepts of a safety and health management system to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries.

The findings build on a previous report, published in April this year, which indicated that climate change was creating a “cocktail” of serious health hazards for an estimated 2.4 billion workers who are exposed to excessive heat. 

According to ILO, “Heat stress is an invisible and silent killer that can quickly cause illness, heatstroke or even death. Over time it can also lead to serious heart, lung and kidney problems for workers, the study underlines.

Global statistics

 The report indicates that workers in Africa, the Arab states and Asia and the Pacific are most often exposed to excessive heat. In these regions, 92.9 per cent, 83.6 per cent and 74.7 per cent of the workforce are affected respectively. The figures are above the global average of 71 per cent, according to the most recent figures available (2020).

It says: “The fastest changing working conditions are seen in Europe and Central Asia. From 2000 to 2020, the region recorded the largest increase in excessive heat exposure, with the proportion of workers affected rising by 17.3 per cent, almost double the global average increase.

“Americas, Europe and Central Asia are witnessing the largest rise in workplace injuries from heat stress since the year 2000, with increases of 33.3 per cent and 16.4 per cent respectively. This is possibly due to hotter temperatures in regions where workers are unaccustomed to heat.”

The report estimated that “4,200 workers globally lost their lives to heatwaves in 2020. In total, 231 million workers were exposed to heatwaves in 2020, marking a 66 per  cent increase from 2000.”

It, however, stressed that “nine out of ten workers globally were exposed to excessive heat outside of a heatwave and eight in ten occupational injuries from extreme heat happened outside of heatwaves.

“Low- and middle-income economies, in particular, are the most affected, as the costs of injuries from excessive heat in the workplace can reach around 1.5 per cent of national GDP.”

ILO’s DG speaks 

Commenting on the report, ILO Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo, said: “As the world continues to grapple with rising temperatures, we must protect workers from heat stress year-round. Excessive heat is creating unprecedented challenges for workers worldwide, year-round, and not only during periods of intense heatwaves, Improved safety and health measures to prevent injuries from excessive heat in the workplace could save up to US$361 billion globally – in lost income and medical treatment expenses – as the heat stress crisis accelerates, affecting global regions differently.

“This is a human rights issue, a workers’ rights issue, and an economic issue, and middle-income economies are bearing the biggest brunt. 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 impact of heat on workers worldwide is fast becoming a global issue, and one that requires action.”

Similarly, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, explained that “If there is one thing that unites our divided world, it is that we are 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.”