Andrew Wilkinson from Secure Safety Solutions discusses the critical issue of heat in the workplace, referencing the International Labour Organisation’s report on its implications for safety and health
Heat is often seen as an inconvenience rather than a serious workplace hazard, but this perception is changing fast. In 2024, Europe and North America experienced record-breaking heat waves that forced outdoor workers off construction sites and pushed indoor spaces well beyond safe temperatures. These extreme events signal a stark reality: that heat at work is no longer a seasonal inconvenience, but has become a major global health and safety emergency.
Heat at Work: Implications for Safety and Health
According to the International Labour Organisation’s report Heat at Work: Implications for Safety and Health, more than 2.2 billion workers worldwide are already exposed to excessive heat on the job. This figure is expected to rise sharply as climate change leads to more frequent and intense heat waves worldwide. (1)
Workers in traditionally hot regions, such as Africa, the Middle East, and parts of the Asia-Pacific, have long faced the dangers of heat stress. However, new data shows that regions previously considered temperate, including parts of Europe and Central Asia, are now experiencing dangerous heat levels. As these changes accelerate, workers who have never had to consider heat as a serious occupational risk will face new and potentially life-threatening challenges.
The human impact of heat stress is serious and immediate. Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, all of which can be fatal if not quickly treated. Even before these severe effects occur, heat can cause fatigue, slower reaction times, and reduced concentration, all of which significantly increase the risk of accidents and injuries at work.
The rise in heat-related risks
In my experience, the rise in heat-related risks has become more noticeable across a wider range of industries. Recent data shows that since 2000, the Americas, Europe, and Central Asia have experienced some of the most significant increases in workplace injuries related to heat stress. Agricultural and construction workers are often among the hardest hit, but many indoor workers, particularly those in factories, warehouses, and kitchens, are also at risk when ventilation and cooling are inadequate.
Beyond immediate health risks, working in excessive heat can also have long-term impacts on mental wellbeing, lower productivity, and deepen inequalities. Workers in lower-paid, outdoor, or manual roles often have less control over their working environment and fewer options to protect themselves. This creates a pressing need to address heat not only as a safety issue but also as a matter of fairness and dignity. Employers must take proactive
and practical steps
In practice, employers need to take proactive and practical steps. The starting point is a thorough risk assessment that considers which workers are most vulnerable, when and where heat exposures are likely to occur, and what tasks might increase the danger.
Key measures include providing easy access to drinking water, allowing flexible and frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas, adjusting working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and improving ventilation and cooling systems. Training is also crucial; workers and supervisors must be able to recognise the early signs of heat stress and know how to respond quickly.
Monitoring environmental conditions using temperature and humidity measures helps employers make informed decisions about when to modify or suspend work. In some cases, it may be necessary to stop certain tasks entirely during extreme heat events to protect lives.
Governments and regulators play a critical role
Governments and regulators also play a critical role. Clear legal standards on maximum working temperatures, guidance on rest breaks and hydration, and enforcement of basic protections are all vital steps. As climate patterns continue to shift, collaboration between policymakers, employers, and safety professionals will be essential to keep workers safe.
In my experience, heat can turn from an inconvenience into a serious, even fatal, hazard much faster than many people realise. Protecting workers from heat is not simply about comfort; it is about preventing avoidable harm and saving lives. By acting now and integrating heat risk into everyday workplace safety planning, we can avoid a growing wave of preventable injuries and deaths.
