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The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has highlighted the growing risks of excessive heat for workers worldwide, attributing these challenges to climate change. The report emphasizes that the impact of rising temperatures is increasingly affecting people in various industries, not just those working outdoors.
Key findings from the report include:
- Increased Exposure: In Europe and Central Asia, the proportion of workers exposed to excessive heat has risen more sharply than in any other region over the past 20 years. As of 2020, 29% of workers in this region faced excessive heat at times, a 17.3% increase compared to two decades ago.
- Global Impact: On a global scale, 2.4 billion people are exposed to excessive heat at work. Africa faces the highest proportion, with 90.2% of workers experiencing such conditions, followed by the Arab states at 83.6%.
- Health Risks: Heat at work leads to significant health issues. Nearly 22.9 million people suffer accidents due to heat annually, with almost 19,000 fatalities. Additionally, 26.2 million individuals live with chronic kidney problems due to insufficient fluid intake, as recommended drinking is 0.85 litres per hour once temperatures hit 32°C.
The ILO’s report underscores the urgent need for improved workplace safety measures and better management of heat stress to protect workers’ health and safety.