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Unprecedented Global Temperatures and
Record-Breaking Heat: Rising Workforce

Health and Safety Concerns

June 26, 2024

Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense in many parts of the world. While often
overlooked, heat waves are among the most dangerous natural hazards and pose a significant health and
safety risk for the global workforce.

Almost half the global population, including over one billion workers, is now exposed to high heat episodes.
According to the Minister of Natural Resources Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, 2024
is expected to be the hottest year in the country since 1998.

International SOS, the world’s leading health and security services company, reported an 86% increase in
client calls for heat-related assistance from 2021 to 2022, followed by a further 25% increase in 2023.

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 deathsare 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%. Workers across various sectors are impacted by extreme

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