New ILO Report Warns of Rising Heat Stress Risks for Workers Worldwide

The ILO's findings underscore the urgent need for effective heat action plans and stronger global collaboration to protect workers from the escalating risks associated with extreme heat.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a critical report highlighting the escalating threat of heat stress in the workplace globally. The report, titled Heat at Work: Implications for Safety and Health, reveals a troubling increase in heat stress exposure, with workers in many regions facing increasingly dangerous conditions due to rising temperatures.

Key Findings:

Global Exposure: The report indicates that workers in Africa, the Arab states, and Asia and the Pacific are most frequently exposed to excessive heat. Specifically, 92.9% of the workforce in Africa, 83.6% in the Arab states, and 74.7% in Asia and the Pacific are affected. These figures surpass the global average of 71%, based on the most recent data from 2020.

Increasing Risks in Europe and Central Asia: The report highlights a significant rise in excessive heat exposure in Europe and Central Asia, with a 17.3% increase from 2000 to 2020. This increase is nearly double the global average rise of 8.8% for the same period.

Rising Injuries: The Americas and Europe and Central Asia have seen substantial increases in heat-related workplace injuries, with rises of 33.3% and 16.4%, respectively, since 2000. This trend may be attributed to rising temperatures in regions where workers are not accustomed to extreme heat.

Global Impact: In 2020, 4,200 workers globally died from heatwaves, and 231 million workers were exposed to heatwaves—a 66% increase from 2000. The report notes that heat stress often occurs outside of heatwaves, with nine out of ten workers exposed to excessive heat at times other than during heatwaves.

Economic and Health Costs: The ILO estimates that improving safety measures could save up to US$361 billion globally in lost income and medical expenses. Low- and middle-income economies bear the greatest economic burden, with heat-related injuries potentially costing around 1.5% of national GDP.

Statements:

Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General: "As the world continues to grapple with rising temperatures, we must protect workers from heat stress year-round. Excessive heat is creating unprecedented challenges for workers worldwide, and not only during periods of intense heatwaves."

Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General: "If there is one thing that unites our divided world, it's that we're all increasingly feeling the heat. Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere. We must rise to the challenge of rising temperatures – and step up protections for workers, grounded in human rights."

Regional Insights:

Africa: Exceeds the global average with 92.9% of the workforce exposed to excessive heat, with 7.2% of occupational injuries attributed to heat stress.

Americas: The region has seen a 33.3% increase in heat-related occupational injuries since 2000, with 6.7% of injuries due to excessive heat.

Arab States: 83.6% of the workforce is exposed to excessive heat, above the global average.

Asia and the Pacific: 74.7% of workers face excessive heat exposure.

Europe and Central Asia: The region has experienced the highest increase in heat exposure, with a 17.3% rise over 20 years, and a 16.4% increase in heat-related injuries since 2000.

The ILO's findings underscore the urgent need for effective heat action plans and stronger global collaboration to protect workers from the escalating risks associated with extreme heat.