WHO and WMO release Extreme Heat Guidelines for 2025.

Extreme heat has become a major focus in the latest report released jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These two international bodies emphasize that the rise in global temperatures now poses a serious threat to occupational health. They warn that heat stress is not just an environmental issue, but a real threat to workers around the world.

The aforementioned technical report highlights the direct impact of climate change on the workforce. WHO and WMO emphasize that field workers, especially in the construction, agriculture, and transportation sectors, are the most vulnerable group. They were exposed to high temperatures for a long duration without adequate protection. This situation, according to the report, can lead to health problems, lower productivity, and even increase the risk of death.

In addition, this new guideline emphasizes the importance of mitigation steps that must be implemented immediately by employers. WHO and WMO emphasize that climate change has affected the way the world works, so the business world needs to adapt to stricter occupational health policies.

WHO-WMO Guidelines for Dealing with Extreme Heat

The WHO and WMO guidelines on extreme heat serve as a global guide for countries and companies. The aim is to protect workers from the impacts of high temperatures that are increasingly unavoidable due to climate change.

These two bodies recommend that the company begin to develop a heat risk reduction plan. The aforementioned recommendations include the provision of cooling areas, improved access to drinking water, and a system for monitoring workers' health. Simple monitoring, such as paying attention to the color of urine as an indicator of dehydration, is also recommended.

Recommendations for extreme heat mitigation.

In that document, the WHO and WMO urged companies to record changes in workers' body weight as an indicator of bodily fluid loss. This note is important to prevent severe dehydration that can trigger organ failure.

In addition, employers are advised to reschedule working hours so that workers do not work in the midday sun. This strategy has been proven to reduce the risk of health problems due to exposure to high temperatures. Thus, the company can reduce the number of workplace accidents and keep productivity stable.

Impact of Extreme Heat on Productivity

The report states a startling fact: every 1°C increase above the 20°C threshold can reduce worker productivity by 2 to 3 percent. This impact is significant for the industrial sector that relies on physical labor.

If the trend of global warming continues, billions of work hours worldwide are at risk of being lost. This will have a direct impact on the global economy, especially in developing countries that rely on manual labor.

Focus on Occupational Health

The WHO and WMO emphasize that extreme heat not only reduces productivity, but also threatens lives. Heat stress can cause fatigue, dehydration, heat stroke, and even sudden death. Therefore, this guideline emphasizes the importance of integrating occupational health policies into the company's management system.

The member states are expected to adopt this guideline into national regulations. Public policy support is urgently needed so that workers’ protection is not only the initiative of companies, but also a legal mandate.

Global risk due to extreme heat

Extreme heat is now regarded as a transboundary threat that requires global attention. Its impact is not only on occupational health, but also on economic, social, and political resilience.

According to WHO and WMO, tropical countries are at the forefront of risk. Indonesia, for example, with a large population of informal sector workers, will face greater challenges. The resilience of the health system and employment policy will greatly determine the ability to adapt.

Vulnerable Countries and Adaptation

Developing countries in Asia and Africa are said to be the most vulnerable due to limitations in infrastructure and resources. Many workers in this region do not have access to cooling facilities or adequate protection. As a result, the number of illnesses and deaths due to extreme heat is expected to be higher than in developed countries.

For example, previous studies have shown that India loses more than 100 billion working hours every year due to rising temperatures. Similar conditions are also expected to be experienced by other countries with tropical climates.

Worker Protection Strategy

In addition to providing cooling facilities, educating workers has become the main strategy. WHO and WMO recommend that companies educate workers about the signs of heat stress. Thus, workers can recognize early symptoms and immediately seek medical help.

Another strategy is the use of climate-friendly workwear for hot climates. Cooling technology fabrics can help lower body temperature. In addition, technological innovations such as wearable sensors to monitor body temperature have also begun to be tested in several countries.

The Role of Technology in Adaptation

Technology is seen as one of the key solutions. The company can utilize an application to monitor weather conditions in real time. This data can be used to set the work schedule and anticipate temperature spikes.

In addition, IoT devices (Internet of Things) can be installed to detect the ambient temperature of the work environment. With an early warning system, workers can be moved immediately to a safe area before the temperature reaches a dangerous level.

Global Role and Public Policy

Extreme heat requires cross-sector and cross-country coordination. WHO and WMO emphasize the importance of global collaboration to reduce the climate-related impacts on workers. This guideline is expected to serve as a common reference in formulating more adaptive public policy.

Governments in various countries are also urged to increase investment in the occupational health system. Regulations that require companies to protect workers from heat stress must be enforced. In addition, integration with the national climate policy has become a strategic step.

Multilateral Support

Multilateral cooperation is needed to accelerate the transfer of technology and expertise. Developed countries are expected to provide financial and technical support to developing countries. Without this support, the gap in worker protection will widen further.

WHO and WMO also emphasize that this issue cannot be viewed in a sectoral manner. Occupational health, climate change, and economic resilience must be viewed as a single entity.

International Agenda

These extreme heat guidelines are likely to be carried to global forums such as the upcoming Climate COP. Thus, occupational health issues can receive broader attention. The integration of health policy and climate will strengthen the resilience of global communities in facing extreme temperatures.

The Importance of Public Awareness

Public awareness has become an important element in overcoming this challenge. The public needs to understand the risks of extreme heat so that they can be more concerned about worker protection. The media, educational institutions, and civil society organizations are expected to participate in disseminating information.

Ultimately, the WHO and WMO reports emphasize that extreme heat is a real threat that must be responded to immediately. Companies, governments, and the global community cannot delay taking adaptation steps. Protection of workers must be a priority so that the world of work remains productive and sustainable.

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