WHO, WMO warn of rising heat risks for workers worldwide

Workers across the globe need stronger protections from extreme heat as climate change fuels increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, according to a new joint report released Friday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The study warns that millions of people are exposed to dangerous levels of heat stress in their workplaces, threatening not only their health but also productivity and livelihoods.

The agencies are urging governments, employers, and labor groups to work together on adaptation measures to safeguard workers in the face of worsening climate impacts.

“Extreme heat is not just an environmental issue — it is a direct threat to human health and economic stability,” said Dr. Rüdiger Krech, WHO’s director of environment, climate and health.

“This report should serve as a wake-up call.”

While the WHO has previously highlighted the health dangers of rising temperatures, this is its first comprehensive assessment of occupational heat stress since 1969.

It points to growing risks in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, where outdoor or poorly ventilated working conditions leave millions vulnerable.

The report calls for urgent strategies including stricter workplace safety regulations, improved infrastructure, access to cooling systems, and flexible work hours during peak heat periods.

Without such measures, experts warn, more workers could face heat-related illnesses, exhaustion, and even fatalities in the years ahead.

The findings come as 2025 is on track to be among the hottest years ever recorded, underscoring the mounting human cost of climate change.