WHO warns of risks of extreme heat in the workplace

Extreme heat increasingly recognized as serious workplace hazard

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the risks of extreme heat in the workplace, saying it is increasingly being recognized as a serious hazard. Recent studies have shown that in many countries, heat exposure is responsible for thousands of work-related illnesses and hundreds of deaths each year.

Who is at Risk?

The risks are especially acute in sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and mining, but employees in every workplace are potentially at risk. The effects of heat stress can range from heat stroke and fatigue to heart attacks and kidney problems, particularly among the elderly, infants, and children, as well as people with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities.

Protecting Workers

The warning calls for adequate precautions to be put in place, including proper hydration, ventilation, and cooling systems, as well as flexibility in work schedules and procedures. Individualized monitoring and protection are also advised, considering the specific health conditions of the workers. Recognizing the problem is the first step towards keeping workers safe, and every workplace should have a heat stress prevention plan in place.

What Experts Are Saying

"Heat stress is a growing challenge for many countries, but with simple precautions, it is possible to prevent these avoidable deaths," said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health. "We must start preparing for heat as we do for other natural disasters."

Let's hope employers take note and implement the necessary changes to protect their employees from the dangers of extreme heat.