How heat stress threatens the workplace

India Today

4 days ago

Heat stress should not be taken lightly: Heat stress can be defined as the sum of environmental and metabolic heat loads, which increases an individual's core body temperature (CBT) that may potentially cause physiological decrements. The International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that over 70 per cent of workers globally are at risk of heat stress due to exposure to excessive heat. In addition to immediate health risks like heat fatigue, heatstroke, cardiovascular issues and electrolyte imbalances, workers may also suffer from long-term injuries that affect their health for years.The same ILO report also says almost 26.2 million people worldwide are living with chronic kidney disease caused by heat stress at work, accounting for about three per cent of all chronic kidney disease cases. Excessive heat can also lead to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression and mental fatigue, which can increase the likelihood of workplace accidents.advertisementMeanwhile, ILO's latest report, Heat at Work: Implications for Safety and Health: A Global Review of the Science, Policy, and Practice, shows workplace exposure to excessive heat is particularly high in Africa (92.9%), the Arab states (83.6%), and Asia and the Pacific (74.7%). The report also says Africa and the Americas have the highest proportions of occupational injuries linked to excessive heat, with 7.2% and 6.7% of all occupational injuries, respectively.It's the worst in India: In India, the situation is especially dire. Most industrial workplaces regularly hit temperatures of 40C to 45C, yet there are no clear or enforceable national standards for regulating workplace heat. Unfortunately, nearly 75 per cent of the Indian workforce—around 380 million people—rely on jobs that expose them to high heat conditions. In 2024, India endured one of its most prolonged and intense summers, with temperatures soaring past 50C (122F) in several regions. 2025 continues to be the same, with the World Bank estimating that India is set to become one of the first regions where heat waves could surpass the threshold of human survivability.advertisement
No labour laws exist for heat stress in India: Although heat-related regulations exist worldwide, current legislation often remains too general to address the growing risks effectively. India's labour laws currently have no specific provisions to protect workers from extreme heat. However, in recent years, many other countries have started updating their regulations and introducing new laws in response to these threats and the latest scientific findings.As the Heat at Work report outlines, the ILO's analysis of legislation from 21 countries identifies standard provisions in national occupational safety and health (OSH) responses. These include participatory risk assessments that address excessive heat, targeted strategies for high-risk workers, use of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) as a heat stress indicator, hydration strategies, rest and modified schedules to limit heat exposure, cool rest areas, heat acclimatisation measures, appropriate personal protective equipment, education and awareness initiatives, and regular health monitoring.We need to address the situation: To begin with, prevention and control strategies for heat stress in the workplace must be strengthened to address the complexities of modern heat challenges. Excessive heat is a severe issue affecting workers, public health and the environment. Climate change and heat-related initiatives must include OSH to coordinate a response. Addressing workplace heat stress effectively will require governments, businesses, labour groups, global organisations, OSH networks and nonprofits to exchange expertise, resources and proven strategies.advertisementMost heat-related exposures and injuries occur not just during heat waves, so it is essential to implement preventive measures whenever heat risks are present, rather than only during extreme weather events. Affordable and practical solutions must be designed and prioritised, especially for informal work settings and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Thankfully, many protective measures are both cost-effective and straightforward. Ensuring proper hydration, providing rest breaks in cool, shaded spaces, adjusting work hours and implementing heat acclimatisation programmes can significantly lower risks without incurring high costs.Solutions need participation at all levels: OSH management systems must incorporate measures to prevent and control heat stress, with workplace assessments that actively involve workers. Social dialogue should be the foundation of all actions to combat excessive heat. Engaging stakeholders at all levels, with meaningful participation from workers and their representatives, is key to creating and implementing effective heat stress policies since workers can offer invaluable insights into the daily risks they face. As the risk to worker safety from heat escalates, prioritising focused research and enhancing global understanding to drive coordinated, evidence-driven actions is critical.advertisementSubscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsTrending Reel