Every April 28, the International Labor Organization (ILO) commemorates World Day for Safety and Health at Work, focusing on current issues related to occupational safety and health. This year, the theme delves into "The repercussions of climate change on occupational safety and health" and what the impacts are on workers.
In this article, we will explore one significant aspect: the increasing risks posed by excessive heat, due to climate change, in the workplace.
Climate change is causing an increase in extreme weather events, such as heat waves of unprecedented intensity and duration. These rising temperatures pose significant risks to workers in a variety of sectors, from those working outdoors to those working indoors with inadequate ventilation. We are all at risk.
Outdoor workers: Industries such as construction, agriculture, mining, municipal cleaners, etc. rely heavily on outdoor work. With rising temperatures, workers face an increased risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat stroke. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and even organ damage, which if proper precautions are not taken can even result in death.
Workers in indoor environments: Although indoor workplaces may appear to be protected from the direct impact of heat waves, inadequate ventilation, and air conditioning systems can create hazardous conditions. Factories, warehouses, and kitchens are especially vulnerable, as heat buildup exacerbates discomfort and increases the likelihood of accidents due to reduced concentration and fatigue.
Increasing heat and its consequences
Heat disorders:
Heat stroke, severe dehydration, and exhaustion are serious health consequences when exposed to extreme heat.
A body temperature above 41 °C is life-threatening. Reduced productivity:
When it is too hot, workers perform less well outdoors, in factories, offices, or during commutes. Increased risk of accidents:
Extreme heat increases the risk of accidents.
Workers become vulnerable to heat-related health problems. Increased risk of diseases:
Extreme heat increases the proliferation of insects, vectors, microorganisms, and viruses, which can affect worker's health.
Workers become vulnerable to respiratory health problems and allergies. Degradation of air quality:
Climate change contributes to the poor quality of the air we breathe.
Increased forest fires and dust caused by droughts increase air pollutants. Existing standards and climate change:
Governments and international organizations have long been setting standards, agreements, treaties, etc. on thermal conditions in the workplace and putting forward solutions.
However, climate change has already altered thermal conditions, and we now have a serious challenge for outdoor or non-air-conditioned work that affects thousands of people worldwide.
In many tropical locations, heat levels exceed thermal tolerances even for acclimatized populations.
According to the World Economic Forum by 2030, up to 3.8% of total working hours worldwide could be lost due to climate-induced high temperatures. This equates to 136 million full-time jobs and economic losses of $2.4 billion.
In the face of these growing risks, proactive and preventive measures are essential to safeguard the health and safety of workers, here are some recommendations:
Implementation of heat stress management plans: Employers should develop comprehensive heat stress management plans tailored to the specific conditions of their workplace. This includes providing adequate hydration, which goes beyond providing water, there should also be adequate monitoring of work and noticing if there is excessive sweating in workers to provide fluid with electrolytes; scheduling rest breaks in the shade or air-conditioned areas; and adjusting work schedules to minimize exposure during peak temperatures (10:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m.).
Improve training and awareness: Training programs should teach workers and the emergency brigade to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses and the importance of early intervention. Supervisors and managers must be prepared to monitor conditions, enforce safety protocols, and respond quickly to emergencies. For locations where extreme heat is present, heat stress should be identified and considered in the Emergency Plan to adequately address this emergency.
Investing in infrastructure and technology: Improving workplace infrastructure, such as installing cooling systems, providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for outdoor and extreme heat work such as cool clothing with UV protection, helmets with sunscreen and windbreakers are effective, and leveraging technology for real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, can significantly mitigate heat-related risks. It's investment, it's protection.
Understanding the threats by climate change to occupational safety and health is crucial to assessing and managing risks. As temperatures continue to rise, protecting workers becomes our primary task.
Do not forget to follow the hierarchy of controls for planning the management of hazards and risks due to climate change:
Can I eliminate the hazard?
Can I replace the hazard?
What engineering measures can I perform?
What administrative controls should I implement?
What personal protective equipment should I provide?
Answer the questions and plan your occupational safety and health management to protect your workers. It's a call for collaboration and action.
In Peru, we have cities with high temperatures
We know the north of Peru, cities like Tumbes, Piura, regions like La Selva, Loreto have very high temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. When the environmental temperature exceeds 30 ºC, outdoor work can be dangerous because sweating increases, dehydration, discomfort and there may be a decompensation in workers and if the body temperature rises to 41 ºC and the body cannot lower its temperature by itself, we would be at risk of death with heat stroke.
As we can see in the temperature map of Peru, by 15:00 and 16:00 hours temperatures are still above 30 ºC, here all companies should take action not to expose their workers to arduous outdoor work.
How have temperatures changed in some regions of Peru?
Let us take a look at the following data:
For February of this year, it is impressive that Apurímac has had a temperature variation of 8.4 ºC, it is increasing, as well as in many cities of our country. Climate change is affecting us, we must take action.
Let us engineer climate change and safeguard the welfare of our workforce.
Let me know your opinion and what preventive measures are being taken in your organization regarding climate change and the protection of your workers.
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