The latest report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) is an urgent wake-up call for companies and workers worldwide. Of particular concern are the developments in Europe and Central Asia, regions that were previously less affected by extreme heat. However, between 2000 and 2020, these regions recorded the sharpest increase in excessive heat stress worldwide. The proportion of workers affected rose by a remarkable 17.3% during this period – almost twice the global average. At the same time, the proportion of heat-related work accidents rose by 16.4 percent.
HEAT STRESS NOT ONLY IN SUMMER
These figures clearly show that working conditions in Europe and Central Asia are changing faster than elsewhere. But the problem is not limited to the summer months or heatwaves. According to ILO research, nine out of ten workers (90%) worldwide were also exposed to excessive heat outside of heatwaves. Equally alarming: eight out of ten heat-related work accidents (80%) occurred outside of heatwaves.
Against this backdrop, the Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo, is urging companies to protect their employees from heat stress all year round. This is not only important for humanitarian reasons, but also has considerable economic benefits. The ILO estimates that improved safety and health measures could save up to 361 billion US dollars worldwide – primarily through reduced loss of income and lower costs for medical treatment.
Companies also incur costs in terms of lost productivity, lost working days and possibly the need to recruit new staff if affected employees are no longer able to carry out their work. In view of these challenges, suitable heat protection strategies are crucial for the long-term success of a company, even in temperate climates.
HOW COMPANIES CAN ACT PROACTIVELY
In order to effectively protect your employees, it is essential to regularly analyze all important work processes and risk factors. Continuously updating risk assessments helps to identify potential hazards at an early stage and take appropriate measures.
A central component of a comprehensive heat protection strategy should be the optimization and expansion of existing measures. These include regular hydration breaks and the use of E.COOLINE cooling clothing, which helps to regulate employees’ body temperature and thus avoid heat stress
CONCLUSION: PREVENTION IS THE KEY
The impact of extreme heat on the working environment should not be underestimated. Companies that protect their employees not only invest in their health, but also secure economic benefits. In the face of increasing heat stress, it is more important than ever to take preventative measures to ensure long-term safety and productivity. Rely on the right cooling strategy and protect your employees – all year round.
