The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have released a joint report and technical guidance addressing the rising global threat of workplace heat stress. The report underscores how climate change, by driving more frequent and severe heatwaves, is already affecting the health and productivity of workers, particularly those in agriculture, construction, and fisheries. Vulnerable groups in developing countries, including children, older adults, and low-income populations, are also at heightened risk.
Drawing on five decades of research, the report—Climate change and workplace heat stress—highlights the serious health and economic impacts of rising temperatures. It notes that heat stress contributes to conditions such as dehydration, heatstroke, kidney dysfunction, and neurological disorders, while also reducing worker productivity by 2–3% for every degree above 20°C. With 2024 recorded as the hottest year yet, and temperatures exceeding 40°C and even 50°C becoming more common, WHO and WMO stress the urgency of immediate, coordinated action.
The guidance emphasizes the implementation of occupational heat-health policies and industry-specific action plans, developed collaboratively by governments, employers, workers, and public health experts. Recommendations include protecting vulnerable populations such as older workers and those with chronic conditions, raising awareness to improve diagnosis and treatment of heat stress, and adopting practical and sustainable solutions. The report also calls for innovation and further research to ensure effective responses that safeguard both health and productivity.
Complementing recent findings from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which reported that over 2.4 billion workers face excessive heat exposure leading to millions of occupational injuries annually, this joint guidance reinforces the urgent need for global action. It positions the protection of workers from heat stress not only as a health priority but also as an economic necessity.
Ultimately, the WHO and WMO guidance serves as a critical resource for policymakers, public health authorities, and employers. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by advocating for measures that protect vulnerable workers, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable growth. In the face of escalating climate change, the report calls for decisive, large-scale action to protect lives, livelihoods, and economies from the growing threat of extreme heat.
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