Global Heat Stress Costs Billions And Claims Thousands Of Lives Annually, ILO Report

A recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) report reveals a shocking reality: Nearly 19000 people die every year the world-over from exposure to extreme heat in their workplaces, inflicting an annual economic loss of US $ 361 billion. Much of this dreadful loss could easily be averted by the implementation of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) measures notes the report. According to its estimates over 2.41 billion, or 70 percent of the global workforce, face extreme heat worldwide, particularly in the Arab states, Africa, Asia and Pacific. 

Caught in the ever-tightening grip of climate change, workers, especially in high-risk categories, face a deadly dilemma between life and livelihood, as they helplessly toil in extreme temperatures. Searing heat waves sweeping through factories and offices the world-over are reducing the prospects of decent work, even as the planet slips into a morass of ailing workers and economic distress.  

The report highlights that workplace heat exposure is particularly severe in Africa, the Arab States, and Asia and the Pacific, where 92.9 percent, 83.6 percent, and 74.7 percent of the workforce, respectively, are exposed to excessive heat—well above the global average of 71 percent. Alarmingly, 26.2 million people worldwide suffer from chronic kidney disease due to heat stress at work. 

Climate mitigation efforts have largely failed to stem the tide of grievous illnesses, ranging from heat exhaustion to heatstroke that are leaving a trail of disease and death across many regions.

The ILO report, titled "Heat at Work: Implications for Safety and Health," criticises current measures as inadequate, noting that they fail to account for the escalating degree of climate change and the daily dangers faced by workers. 

While some countries have introduced new and revised laws to manage heat stress—such as setting maximum temperature limits and implementing adaptation actions—the report argues that these measures are insufficient. It stresses that worker protection should not be limited to heatwaves but extended to all periods of excessive heat.  

The report reveals that 9 out of 10 cases of excessive heat exposure occur outside of heatwaves, and 8 out of 10 heat-related occupational injuries happen under similar conditions. 

The report urges the inclusion of excessive heat and heatwaves as recognised OSH hazards and integrating them into broader climate change strategies and just transition frameworks.