Heatwaves put workers at risk and reduce productivity
Sharply rising temperatures around the world continue to endanger the safety of workers and affect communities with "lower adaptive capacity", according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Data from the UN's World Meteorological Organisation reveal that this July will be the hottest on record.
Heatwaves not only threaten the environment, but create additional obstacles for nations trying to achieve sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, targets of Sustainable Development Goal 8, according to ILO economist Nicolas Maître.
What is heat stress?
UN News: How is heat stress at work, also known as occupational heat stress, defined?
Nicolas Maître: Occupational heat stress describes a situation where it is too hard to work, or at least at a normal intensity. It depends not only on temperature, but also on humidity and solar radiation. It endangers the safety and health of workers by increasing the risk of heat-related injuries and illnesses.
At what temperature does heat stress start to occur?
Estimates show that labour productivity slows down at temperatures above 24 or 26 degrees Celsius. At 33 or 34 degrees Celsius, workers' performance can drop by up to 50% in physically demanding jobs. It can occur in the shade, and even inside some factories. If the factory is not air-conditioned and workers must operate heavy machinery or wear protective clothing, it can also occur in these contexts.
Generally speaking, agriculture and construction are the most affected sectors. The ILO estimates that, globally, productivity is declining due to the effects of climate change and that agriculture is responsible for 60% of this loss. But heat stress can occur in all physically demanding jobs that require employees to work directly in the sun, for long hours or in protective clothing.
Adaptation is key
Who is most affected by heat stress?
It affects those who are least able to adapt. It is a question of social justice and reducing inequalities between nations as well as within nations.
Increasing the number of breaks, improving access to water, adapting working hours and rotating workers are some of the measures that can be taken to reduce heat stress. Adjusting workers' clothing, drinking water regularly and undergoing routine health self-monitoring also bring benefits.
What can temperate countries learn from the adaptation measures of hot countries?
Evidence suggests that heat stress is becoming a real problem for temperate countries, but the problem is not the same as for hot countries. In Southeast Asia, for example, the problem occurs all year round. In Europe, it is a problem that occurs mainly during summer heat waves. I believe that adaptation measures must take these differences into account. While we apply sustainable adaptation measures in hot countries, in temperate countries we could think of measures that are triggered by a specific temperature.
The role of the government in setting up these measures is very important. This refers to triggering adaptation measures according to the circumstances, but governments can also create a policy framework within nations to address the problem of heat stress. It can be expensive, but so is the loss of productivity.
Why do you think heat stress has received so much media attention in recent years?
When we started, there was very little research and the media coverage was not the same. Now we see that it is all over the media. I think it's because it's inevitable, it's here. We see our colleagues, our friends and our families experiencing the problem.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.