Despite the heavy rainfall in many parts of North India today, heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense in many parts of the world. There was a time when heat waves were overlooked. However, their brutal nature particularly this year has left many shocked and physically ill, accepting it as one of the most dangerous natural hazards that pose a significant health and safety risk for the global workforce.
Such extreme weather conditions need to be taken into account and necessary steps should be taken not just at home. For organisations and businesses, it is imperative to consider the health of their employees, especially if they expect their employees to work from the office.
Reflecting on the occupational hazards of heatwaves and how organisations can keep their employees safe, the Onlymyhealth team spoke to Dr Katherine O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director, International SOS.
Health Risks Of Extreme Hot Weather
According to a study published in The Lancet, almost half of the global population is now exposed to high heat episodes, including more than one billion workers.
April 2024 was the hottest April on record, shared the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, and higher-than-normal temperatures and heatwaves have already been reported in June this year in parts of Europe. As per many predictions, this rise in Mercury will only increase in the next coming years.
Occupational Hazards Of Heatwave
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.
Excessive Heat Causing Work-Related Deaths
The International Labour Organisation shared that annually, 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 work-related deaths are attributable to excessive heat.
Moreover, 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.
Occupations Most At Risk Due To Extreme Weather
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.
Dr O’Reilly 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.”
As per the World Health Organisation, 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.
How Can Organisations Keep Workers Safe During Heatwaves?
Exposure to excessive heat can also lead to health risks, including heatstroke and even death. Proactive measures from organisations are crucial to mitigate these risks and safeguard worker wellbeing and productivity.
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.
“Organisations must go beyond basic heat stress prevention and integrate heat stress risk assessments into their health and safety policies,” recommends Dr O’Reily.
She added, “Furthermore, training employees to recognise early signs of heat illness is critical. Early intervention can prevent a medical emergency and long-term health consequences.”
Also Read: Doctors Warn That Heatwave May Trigger Lupus: Symptoms And Tips To Manage
Guidelines To Mitigate Workforce Health Risks During Heatwaves
Firstly Dr O’Reily recommended that organisations must 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,” she underscored.
“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,” she added.
Highlighting the need for set guidelines to reduce the risk of a worst-case scenario at the workplace, Dr O’Reily listed:
Conduct Heat-specific Risk Assessments
Regularly assess your operations for potential heat stress hazards. Identify high-risk locations and activities and consider vulnerable employee profiles, including those with pre-existing health conditions or who perform strenuous outdoor work.
Integrate Heat Safety Into Health And Safety Policies
Make heat stress prevention a core component of your health and safety policies. Ensure workers have access to shaded areas for breaks and hydration stations to keep them hydrated and allow for breathable workwear suitable for high temperatures.
Provide Heat Stress Awareness And Prevention Training
Deliver climate-specific training programmes that focus on working safely in extreme heat. Educate employees on proper hydration practices and sun protection measures and enable them to adjust their work pace during high temperatures. Train employees to recognise heat stress symptoms and provide clear protocols for hydration, rest breaks and cooling down.
Develop Robust Heat Response Protocols
Develop well-defined procedures for responding to heat-related illnesses, including first aid and emergency evacuation. Communicate these protocols effectively and ensure your workforce knows who to contact in case of a heat emergency.
Continuously Review And Update Your Response Plans
Conduct regular reviews of your organisation’s heat response plans to ensure they reflect the latest information and best practices for heat safety.
Empowering your workforce to stay safe during heatwaves is not just crucial for their well-being, but also for maintaining productivity. By implementing these proactive measures and fostering a culture of heat awareness, organisations can ensure a healthy and happy workforce throughout the summer. Take the first step towards safeguarding your employees by conducting a heat risk assessment for your workplace today!