Integrated inter-sector framework to increase the thermal resilience of European workers in the context of global warming (HEAT-SHIELD)

HEAT-SHIELD aims at addressing the negative effects of climate change, in particular increasing workplace temperature, on the working population. The effects of heat exposure includes productivity loss in many jobs, and HEAT-SHIELD will study this issue and its prevention in different sectors. In addition, heat strain as a result of the increased workplace temperature will pose health issues to the workers of the EU. 

To address these issues, HEAT-SHIELD focuses on providing adaptation strategies for the five major industries of the EU and its workers: manufacturing, construction, transportation, tourism, and agriculture.

The project is dedicated to improve heat resilience in European workers and provide know-how to the European community ranging from the individual citizen to public and private policy makers to implement methods and procedures that may secure health and productivity during present and future climatic heat scenarios.

The Climate CHIP tool provides projections of unsafe work days and productivity loss for different future time horizons for different work intensities and conditions. The Work Heat Action Plan is a guide for employers, enterprises, trade unions and occupational health professionals for keeping workers safe and productive in the heat. The document presents issues to consider in preparing protection for people who need to work in hot conditions. The heat defense plan provides a ready-made checklist for covering these issues.