Global warming

Working on a warming planet: The impact of heat stress on labour productivity and decent work

Authors: 
Kjellstrom T, Maitre N, Saget C, Otto M, Karimova T
Year: 
2019

The phenomenon of heat stress refers to heat received in excess of that which the body can tolerate without physiological impairment. It is one of the major consequences of global warming. By 2030, the equivalent of more than 2 per cent of total working hours worldwide is projected to be lost every year, either because it is too hot to work or because workers have to work at a slower pace. This report shows the impact of heat stress on productivity and decent work for virtually all countries in the world.

Occupational heat stress assessment and protective strategies in the context of climate change

Authors: 
Chuansi Gao, Kalev Kuklane, Per-Olof Östergren, Tord Kjellstrom
Year: 
2018

Global warming will unquestionably increase the impact of heat on individuals who work in already hot workplaces in hot climate areas. The increasing prevalence of this environmental health risk requires the improvement of assessment methods linked to meteorological data. Such new methods will help to reveal the size of the problem and design appropriate interventions at individual, workplace and societal level.