ENBEL briefing: Occupational heat stress in outdoor works

Heat stress causes a significant burden on the health of workers. Workplace interventions, such as adequate water supply, shaded rest, improved sanitation, and ergonomic improvements to reduce physical effort can improve health and reduce social and economic burden. In its policy brief, ENBEL, a European project aimed at connecting health and climate change research, warns that a large portion of the costs associated with occupational heat stress (e.g. treating kidney disease, work days lost) are borne by families and low-income households. Prevention is cost effective with a positive return of investment on workers’ health, medical costs and increased productivity. Evidence-based new legislation and occupational heat-health guidelines are needed to protect workers, requiring private and public sector coordination. Monitoring of the implementation of workplace interventions and labour practices is essential to ensure compliance.

The policy briefs can be consulted at ENBEL's website.