NEW DELHI: Worker productivity declines by 2–3% for every degree above 20°C, according to a report by the United Nations’ health and climate agencies. The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reviewed five decades of research, concluding that workplace heat stress significantly threatens workers’ health and productivity, and provided guidance on mitigating these risks.
The report notes that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense, affecting both outdoor and indoor workers. Heat-related health risks include heatstroke, dehydration, and brain and kidney disorders, all of which can impact long-term health and economic security.
Vidhya Venugopal, professor of occupational hygiene and health at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamil Nadu, and an author of the report, told PTI, “Extreme heat affecting workers worldwide has emerged as a significant and growing occupational crisis requiring urgent intervention.” Venugopal also led a 2023 study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which found that pregnant women exposed to extreme workplace heat may face double the risk of miscarriage.
The WMO reported that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with daytime temperatures above 40°C and 50°C increasingly common. The WHO-WMO report highlights that around half of the world’s population suffers adverse effects from high temperatures, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Recommended measures include developing workplace heat policies, issuing advisories tailored to local weather, and considering specific worker roles and vulnerabilities. Venugopal emphasized that climate adaptation strategies must account for cultural context, gender differences, and economic disparities. “The poorest communities face the greatest impact from extreme heat but have the least capacity to cope,” she said.
The report also calls for protecting vulnerable groups, including middle-aged and older workers, those with chronic conditions, and individuals with lower physical fitness. Increasing awareness among first responders, health professionals, employers, and workers on recognizing and treating heat stress is critical.
Finally, the authors advocate for sustainable, scalable solutions, including the use of technology to safeguard health while maintaining productivity, and stress the need for ongoing research to improve occupational heat-health measures globally.
