The rising heat is more than just uncomfortable – it’s a workplace hazard. A new report from the WHO and WMO warns that increasing heat stress is putting workers’ health and livelihoods at risk, and urgent action is needed.
The Growing Threat of Heat Stress
Climate change is causing more frequent and intense heatwaves. Workers regularly exposed to extreme heat are already experiencing serious health impacts. In particular, manual workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction and fisheries. Increasing heat episodes are also leading to health issues for vulnerable populations in developing countries. It also includes children, older adults and low-income populations.
Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool itself effectively, leading to a range of health problems. This can include heatstroke and heat exhaustion to dehydration and cardiovascular strain. Climate change is exacerbating this threat, with rising global temperatures and intense heatwaves pushing workers to their limits. Outdoor workers in agriculture, construction, and other physically demanding occupations are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of heat stress.
Key Findings of the Report
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have published a new joint report and guidance highlighting the growing global health challenges posed by extreme heat on workers.
The report and guidance outline key issues related with health impacts of extreme heat.
- The frequency and intensity of extreme heat events have risen sharply, increasing risks for both outdoor and indoor workers.
- Worker productivity drops by 2–3% for every degree above 20°C.
- Health risks include heatstroke, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and neurological disorders, all of which hinder long-term health and economic security.
- Approximately half the global population suffers adverse consequences of high temperatures.
Key Recommendations in the Guidance
The guidance lays out a clear path for governments, employers, and health authorities to mitigate the growing risks of extreme heat on working populations. The recommended actions include:
- Develop occupational heat-health policies with tailored plans and advisories that consider local weather patterns, specific jobs, and worker vulnerabilities.
- Focus on vulnerable populations with special attention given to middle-aged and older workers, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those with lower physical fitness who can be more susceptible to the effects of heat stress.
- Education and awareness raising for first responders, health professionals, employers, and workers to recognize and properly treat heat stress symptoms, which are often misdiagnosed.
- Engage all stakeholders from workers and trade unions to health experts and local authorities in the co-creation of heat-health strategies that are locally relevant and widely supported.
- Design solutions that are not only effective but also practical, affordable and environmentally sustainable, ensuring policies can be implemented at scale.
- Embrace innovation by adopting technologies that can help safeguard health while maintaining productivity.
- Support further research and evaluation to strengthen the effectiveness of occupational heat-health measures and ensure maximum protection for workers worldwide.
WMO reports that 2024 was the hottest year on record. Daytime temperatures of more than 40°C and even above 50°C are becoming increasingly common, a clear indication that immediate action is needed to address the worsening impact of heat stress on workers worldwide.
Specific Measures Against Heat Stress in Different Sectors
In the face of rising global temperatures, employers across all sectors must implement specific measures to protect workers from heat stress. Preventive strategies fall into several categories, including adjusting work practices, using protective equipment, and implementing environmental controls. What can we do?
Agriculture:
Agricultural workers face high heat stress risks due to heavy labor and sun exposure. We must adjust work shifts to avoid peak heat and schedule strenuous tasks during cooler hours. Providing shaded rest areas with frequent breaks to protect workers is important. Ensure access to cool drinking water, encourage hydration, and use a buddy system to monitor signs of heat illness. For livestock handlers, install fans, misters, and shade while requiring lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses for added protection.
Manufacturing:
In manufacturing, heat stress often arises from furnaces, steam leaks, and machinery, especially in non-air-conditioned spaces. Ventilation, fans, insulation, and reflective shields reduce radiant heat. Scheduling tasks during cooler hours and rotating workers further limit exposure.
Hydration stations with water and electrolytes should be easily accessible, with reminders to stay hydrated. For extreme conditions, provide specialized PPE, including insulated or cooling garments, to protect workers.
Construction:
Construction workers face high heat risks from strenuous tasks, sun exposure, and heavy gear. Acclimatization plans and training help workers adapt and recognize heat illness early, while work/rest cycles and task rotation reduce exposure. On-site cooling stations with fans, misters, and immersion containers further protect workers. Specialized PPE, such as cooling vests, neck shades, and reflective shields, provides added safety in extreme conditions.
Expert’s view on Heat Stress
The new report and technical guidance, entitled Climate change and workplace heat stress draws on five decades of research and evidence. Revealing that the health and productivity of workers are severely impacted by rising temperatures.
“Heat stress is already harming the health and livelihoods of billions of workers, especially in the most vulnerable communities,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care. “This new guidance offers practical, evidence-based solutions to protect lives, reduce inequality, and build more resilient workforces in a warming world.”
“This report represents a critical milestone in our collective response to the growing threat of extreme heat in the world of work,” said Joaquim Pintado Nunes, ILO’s Chief of Occupational Safety and Health and the Working Environment.
As temperatures continue to rise, protecting workers from heat stress is no longer a choice – it’s an imperative. By implementing the WHO/WMO guidance and prioritizing worker health, we can create safer, more productive, and more equitable workplaces for all.
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