The Climate Change and Workplace Heat Stress guideline, released jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in August 2025, underscores the escalating risks of heat stress to workers worldwide due to climate change. Drawing on over five decades of research, the report highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect workers from extreme heat.
Key Insights
Rising Heat Exposure: Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense, threatening both outdoor and indoor workers.
Health Risks: Workers face heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, dehydration, kidney disorders, and neurological impacts.
Productivity Loss: Labor productivity declines by 2–3% for every degree above 20°C.
Global Impact: Around 2.4 billion workers worldwide are exposed to high heat, contributing to millions of occupational injuries annually.
Vulnerable Sectors: Agriculture, construction, and outdoor labor are among the most affected sectors.
Urgent Need for Action: Effective heat action plans, monitoring, training, and workplace adaptations are critical to protect workers.
