Extreme heat threatens the workforce: WHO

GENEVA (EFE)— Extreme heat has become one of the greatest occupational hazards of the present and future, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned yesterday in Geneva.

The institution, together with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), presented the first report in more than half a century that comprehensively addresses the impact of heat on health and the global economy.

"The effects will be catastrophic for workers if urgent action is not taken," warned Rüdiger Krech, Director of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the WHO.

According to the models, worker productivity decreases by "2% to 3% for every degree above 20 degrees Celsius," the report said.

The experts emphasized that, "ideally, physically intense activities should be carried out at an ambient temperature of 19 or 20 degrees," something that is becoming increasingly rare in the face of more intense and prolonged heat waves. Currently, "2.4 billion workers, or 70% of the global total, may be exposed to extreme temperatures during their work," the research revealed.

Each year, there are nearly 23 million extreme heat-related workplace injuries, resulting from what experts call "heat stress" or "heat overload."

“Investing in worker protection can save the economy many billions each year,” Krech said at a press conference.

Jobs at risk

The risk most affects those who work in agriculture, construction, and fishing.

However, "indoor workers, especially those handling heat-producing machinery, are also at risk," the experts added.

“What’s new is the severity of the phenomenon,” Krech insisted.

“We're going from uncomfortable temperatures to dangerous temperatures that constitute a health crisis.”

To illustrate, he explained that "working on the streets of Madrid at 45 degrees is not only unpleasant, (but also) a situation that requires action."

The WHO called on governments, businesses, and unions to develop response plans. "The best way to convince the private sector is to show the productivity gains from these measures," it emphasized.

Likewise, it was recommended that regulations be created to guarantee safe working conditions, adapted to the local weather and the vulnerability of each worker. "A healthy young person is not the same as an older person with a chronic illness," he clarified.

The report warns that heat stress begins with symptoms such as “intense thirst, excessive sweating, fatigue, and dizziness,” but can progress to more serious symptoms such as “blurred vision, low blood pressure, and motor incoordination.”

The most critical condition is heat stroke, a medical emergency in which the body exceeds 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) for a prolonged period. "It can lead to unconsciousness and organ failure," the WHO warned.

At a glance

Occupational risk

Seventy percent of the world's workers are exposed to extreme temperatures in their jobs, with sectors such as agriculture, fishing, and construction being the most affected by the climate crisis.

Strong economic impact

Labor productivity decreases by 2% to 3% for each additional degree. This translates into global losses in the millions, affecting national economies and business stability.

Urgent measures

The WHO urges governments, employers, and unions to develop immediate response plans. These measures aim to protect health, reduce risks, and prevent economic losses.