A recent study shows that additional rise of 1°C in temperature will lead to a reduction in the work hours of approximately 800 million people living in tropical regions. The research focused on assessing the impact of global warming on the well-being of outdoor workers in the tropics.
The study conducted by the Cell Press journal One Earth earlier this month, noted that a significant portion of the working-age population in tropical countries is engaged in outdoor occupations. These occupations include construction, agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
It highlighted that with a further 1°C of warming, around 800 million individuals in tropical areas would reside in places where intense physical labour should be restricted for more than half of the year.
Furthermore, the report indicated that these regions are projected to experience some of the highest population growth rates, and the number of people vulnerable to extreme heat conditions while working outdoors is likely to increase with rising global temperatures.
It also outlined potential adverse health outcomes resulting from heat stress, including productivity declines, heat-related illnesses, traumatic injuries, reduced cognitive performance, kidney and cardiopulmonary injuries, and even fatalities.
In response to these findings, the report suggests various measures to enhance the well-being of workers amidst climate change challenges.
Recommendations included the establishment of early warning systems for heat events, mandated provisions by governments for employers to offer cool-down areas, adequate rest breaks, flexible work schedules, acclimatisation procedures for new workers, and cessation of work during extreme heat events.
Furthermore, existing practices such as the warning system in Hong Kong and midday work bans in parts of the United Arab Emirates were cited as potential models.
For employers, the study proposed primary measures such as training, education and implementing workplace policies to recognise and respond to symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, secondary measures such as flexible work schedules, rest breaks, and setting up cooling stations were suggested to alleviate worker heat stress and enhance adaptability.
The report also highlighted tertiary solutions including, accommodating medical restrictions for workers recovering from heat-related illnesses, providing paid time off, sick days and medical assistance where workers’ compensation benefits are not available.