Rising Global Temperatures Pose Significant Risks to Workers: ILO

A new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights the escalating dangers of heat stress for workers globally, revealing that both regions accustomed and unaccustomed to extreme heat are facing increased risks. The report, “Heat at Work: Implications for Safety and Health,” underscores that rising temperatures are creating unprecedented challenges for workers year-round.

“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,” says Gilbert Houngbo, Director General, ILO.

According to the ILO, heat stress is a severe and often invisible health threat that can lead to illness, heatstroke, or even death. Over time, it can cause serious cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal problems. The report indicates that in 2020 alone, 4,200 workers worldwide lost their lives to heatwaves, with 231 million workers exposed to these extreme conditions, representing a 66% increase from 2000.

The regions most affected by excessive heat include Africa, the Arab states, and Asia and the Pacific, where 92.9%, 83.6%, and 74.7% of the workforce are exposed, respectively. These figures exceed the global average of 71% as of 2020. Notably, the European Union and Central Asia recorded the largest increase in excessive heat exposure from 2000 to 2020, with a 17.3% rise, almost double the global average increase.

In the Americas and Europe and Central Asia, workplace injuries due to heat stress have surged by 33.3% and 16.4% respectively since 2000. This increase is likely due to higher temperatures in regions where workers are less accustomed to heat. The ILO's findings emphasize that excessive heat is a year-round problem, not confined to periods of intense heat waves. Nine out of 10 workers globally are exposed to excessive heat outside of heatwaves, and eight in 10 heat-related occupational injuries occur outside these periods.

The financial implications of heat stress are significant. Improved safety and health measures to prevent heat-related injuries in the workplace could save up to US$361 billion globally in lost income and medical expenses. The ILO estimates that the costs of such injuries in low- and middle-income economies can reach around 1.5% of national GDP. These economies are particularly hard-hit, making the heat stress crisis both a human rights issue and an economic one.

The report calls for the implementation of year-round heat action plans and stronger global collaboration to harmonize heat stress assessments and interventions at work. Houngbo also highlights the importance of legislative measures and collaboration among experts to protect workers from the dangers of excessive heat.