Editorial 1: Heat stress is more than a degree of concern

In recent years, there has been a major worldwide influence on worker safety and health as a result of climate change and environmental degradation, especially in heat stress. The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) goal of fostering fair and decent employment is threatened by the phenomena, which might lower worker productivity and efficiency. Inadequate funds frequently compel vulnerable people to persist in risky work environments, therefore intensifying health hazards and decreasing productivity.

How does Heat stress effect on health?

• Workers who are subjected to heat stress may experience physical injuries, cardiovascular illness, heat cramps, heat stroke, and acute renal damage, among other serious health problems.
• Pregnancy-related issues, such as hypertension, early deliveries, and miscarriages, are among the extra dangers that women in heat-exposed industries, such subsistence farming, must deal with.
• As per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it is imperative to sustain a core body temperature of around 37°C for regular physiological functions.
• Elevations over 38°C have the potential to impede cognitive and physical capacities.

How does Heat stress effect on Global and Regional areas?

• Heat stress is expected to cause major GDP drops in Asia and the Pacific, especially in Thailand, Cambodia, and India, with national GDP reductions topping 5% by 2030.
• According to recent estimates by the ILO, 2.41 billion workers worldwide are exposed to high temperatures, which results in around 22.85 million injuries and 18,970 fatalities every year.
• Workers in the construction and agricultural industries are anticipated to be most impacted, making up 19% and 60% of missed working hours, respectively.
• According to an ILO analysis from 2019, heat stress would cause a 2.2% global reduction in working hours and a US$2,400 billion drop in global GDP by 2030.

What will impact in India?

• The lack of proper occupational safety and health standards in hazardous, physically demanding industries puts migrant and informal workers particularly at danger.
• Due to its steady yearly temperature rise, India is especially susceptible to heat stress. Between 160 and 200 million Indians are predicted to die from heat waves every year by 2030, and 34 million would lose their jobs as a result of lower productivity brought on by heat stress.

Measures to mitigate and adapt heat stress

• In light of the hazards associated with climate change, the International Labour Conference emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive measures to protect workers’ health and safety.
• The National Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Home Affairs have published national guidelines titled “Preparation of Action Plan – Prevention and Management of Heat Wave” with the goal of shielding employees from intense heat.
• Other suggestions include informing employees, making sure they are well hydrated, controlling work schedules, and offering the required medical facilities.
• In order to put preventive measures in place for people who are vulnerable, governments, businesses, and employees must cooperate together.
• This includes building infrastructure and improving early warning systems for catastrophic weather occurrences.
• It is imperative to enhance global labor standards concerning occupational safety and health in order to guarantee appropriate working environments for those impacted by heat stress.
• It is essential for employers and employees to communicate effectively in order to make changes to working hours, guarantee enough rest periods, supply drinking water, and provide heat stress management training.

How can the green job be promoted?

• Promoting ethical and environmentally friendly jobs seems like a good way to address the present state of climate change.
• In addition to promoting social and economic progress, green occupations preserve or improve the environment.
• Infrastructure measures such as construction standards should be combined with regulatory and legislative measures to guarantee worker safety in vocations vulnerable to heat waves.

Conclusion

A major issue that needs quick response is the effect that heat stress has on workers as a result of environmental deterioration and climate change. Mitigating the negative consequences on worker productivity, health, and general economic well-being requires comprehensive initiatives that include infrastructure development, education, regulatory actions, and the promotion of green jobs. Ensuring a sustainable and fair future in the face of climate change requires effective collaboration among governments, companies, and workers.