Photo: World Health Organization and World Meteorological Organization
Geneva — Exposure to extreme heat “is already harming the health and livelihoods of billions of workers,” an expert from the World Health Organization says.
A newly published report from WHO and the World Meteorological Organization outlines health risks – such as heatstroke, kidney problems or neurological issues – and offers guidance. It asserts that “the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events have risen sharply, increasing risks for both outdoor and indoor workers.”
The organizations say workers in developing countries are especially vulnerable.
“This new guidance offers practical, evidence-based solutions to protect lives, reduce inequality and build more resilient workforces in a warming world,” Jeremy Farrar, assistant director-general of health promotion, disease prevention and care at WHO, said in a press release.
Among the recommended actions for employers, governments and health organizations:
- Develop occupational heat-health policies with tailored plans and advisories that consider local weather patterns, specific jobs and worker vulnerabilities.
- Focus on middle-aged and older workers, people with chronic health conditions, and individuals with lower physical fitness who can be more susceptible to the effects of heat stress.
- Provide education and awareness training for first responders, health professionals, employers, and workers to recognize and properly treat heat stress symptoms, which are often misdiagnosed.
- Engage all stakeholders, from workers and trade unions to health experts and local authorities, in the creation of heat-health strategies that are locally relevant and widely supported.
- Adopt technologies that can help safeguard health while maintaining productivity.
- Support further research and evaluation to strengthen the effectiveness of occupational heat-health measures and ensure maximum protection for workers worldwide.
“The report and technical guidance by WHO and WMO complement the findings of the recent International Labor Organization reports which highlight that more than 2.4 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat globally, resulting in more than 22.85 million occupational injuries each year,” the release states.
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Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication