A "health disaster" threatens half of the world's population!
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have released a new joint report warning of
increasing
global health risks from exposure to extreme heat in the workplace.
As climate change causes more frequent
and intense heat waves, many workers who are regularly exposed to already dangerous heat conditions are feeling the health effects of rising temperatures, particularly workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction and fisheries.
Increased
periods of heat also lead to health problems for vulnerable populations in developing countries, such as children, the elderly and low-income populations.
Heat stress is already harming
- the health and livelihoods of billions of workers
- especially in the most vulnerable communities," said Dr. Jeremy Farrar
- WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention
- These new guidelines offer practical
- evidence-based solutions to protect lives, reduce inequality
- and build a more resilient workforce in an increasingly warmer world."
The report
- and new technical guidance build on five decades of research and evidence
- highlighting that workers' health and productivity
- are severely affected by rising temperatures.
The World
Meteorological Organization report indicates that 2024
was the hottest year on record, and daytime temperatures above 40°C
and even above 50°C are becoming more common, clearly indicating the need
for immediate :
action to address the growing impact of heat stress on workers worldwide.
The report revealed that
- half of the world's population is currently suffering from the negative effects of
- high temperatures, with more than 2.4 billion workers directly affected
- by excessive heat. The data showed a significant decrease in worker
productivity of
up to 2-3% for every temperature exceeding 20 degrees Celsius.
The report warned of
growing health risks, including heatstroke
dehydration
- kidney failure,and neurological disorders (all of which hinder long-term health
- and economic security), with a particular focus on the most affected groups
- such as agricultural, construction, and fishing workers
as well as
the elderly and those with chronic diseases in developing countries.
To address these challenges
the report calls for the implementation of professional action plans to deal with the heat, tailored to specific sectors and regions, and developed in cooperation with employers, workers, unions and public health experts.
It is noteworthy that
- this joint report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO)
- and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
(ILO)
- reports that highlight that more than 2.4 billion workers
- are exposed to excessive heat globally, leading to
- more than 22.85 million occupational infections every year.