Page 116 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

7/1/24, 1:49 PM Heatwaves Threaten Workers Safety and Productivity
Heatstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion are just some of the dangers workers face in extreme heat.

These conditions can lead to decreased productivity, increased accidents and even fatalities. Annually, 22.85

million occupational injuries and 18,970 work-related deaths are attributable to excessive heat3 and by 2030,
the equivalent of more than 2% of total working hours worldwide are projected to be lost every year, either

because it is too hot to work or because workers have to work at a slower pace – a productivity loss

equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs. This impact is expected to be particularly severe in Southern Asia and

Western Africa, where lost work hours due to extreme heat could even reach 5%.4

Workers across various sectors are impacted by extreme weather events, however, certain occupations are

especially at risk as they involve more physical effort and/or take place outdoors. Industrial workers in indoor
settings are also at risk if temperature levels inside factories and workshops are not regulated properly. At high

heat levels, performing even basic office and desk tasks can be challenging as mental fatigue and

physiological and cognitive decline set in due to heat strain.5 Exposure to excessive heat can also lead to

serious health risks, including heatstroke and even death. Proactive measures from organisations are crucial

to mitigate these risks and safeguard worker wellbeing and productivity.

Dr Katherine O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, comments, “The growing intensity and
frequency of heatwaves pose a significant challenge for workforce health and safety. Occupational heat stress

used to be primarily an outdoor concern, but with rising temperatures, even indoor workplaces without proper

ventilation can become dangerous. Organisations must go beyond basic heat stress prevention and integrate

heat stress risk assessments into their health and safety policies. Furthermore, training employees to

recognise early signs of heat illness is critical. Early intervention can prevent a medical emergency and long-
term health consequences. By fostering a culture of heat awareness and encouraging frequent hydration and

breaks during peak temperatures, organisations can empower their workforce to stay healthy and safe.

“It is also important for organisations to be able to distinguish the different stages of heat-related

illness. Heatstroke, the most severe heat illness, is a medical emergency. Without prompt medical attention, it

can lead to lasting disability or even death. Symptoms include a core body temperature exceeding 40°C,

nausea and/or vomiting, confusion and seizures. Recognising the early signs of heat stress, such as
sweating, dizziness, headache and cramps, allows swift intervention to prevent escalation to heat exhaustion

or heat stroke.”

International SOS offers guidelines for organisations to mitigate workforce health risks of extreme heat events:

https://smestreet.in/global/heatwaves-threaten-workers-safety-and-productivity-4783406 2/3