Heat Stress Threatens Over 2.4 billion Workers Globally, Reports Warn
GENEVA/LONDON – New reports from the World Health organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are sounding the alarm about the escalating risk of heat stress for workers worldwide.The reports detail recommendations for governments, employers, and medical organizations too mitigate the dangers of extreme heat in the workplace.
According to the findings, more than 2.4 billion workers – a significant portion of the global workforce – are exposed to excessive heat. this exposure results in over 22.85 million heat-related accidents annually.
the reports emphasize the need for tailored health protection policies that consider local climates, specific job demands, and individual worker vulnerabilities.Special attention should be given to middle-aged and older workers, individuals with pre-existing chronic health conditions, and those with lower physical fitness levels, as they are more susceptible to the effects of thermal stress.
Key recommendations include:
Developing localized health protection plans with tailored recommendations.
Targeting vulnerable populations with specific considerations.
Improving education and awareness regarding the recognition and treatment of thermal stress symptoms, which are often misdiagnosed. Fostering collaboration between workers, trade unions, medical experts, and local authorities in creating relevant and supported health protection strategies.
Prioritizing practical,affordable,and environmentally enduring solutions that can be implemented on a large scale.
Investing in innovative technologies to protect worker health while maintaining productivity.
* Supporting further research and evaluation to enhance the effectiveness of heat protection measures globally.The WHO and WMO reports align with recent findings from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and are intended to serve as a crucial resource for policymakers, public health officials, and employers. The authors state the recommendations are also in line with the key objectives of the UN’s sustainable development goals.