Page 189 - CW E-Magazine (22-7-2025)

Special Report

proper hydration, providing rest breaks
in cool, shaded spaces, adjusting work
hours, and implementing heat accli-
matization programs can signifi cantly
lower risks without incurring high costs.

Strengthening OSH measures to
tackle excessive heat is crucial for
worker safety and offers a compelling
fi nancial incentive. ILO estimates that
adopting heat-related injury preven-
tion strategies could save more than
US$361-billion worldwide.

Meaningful participation in safety
dialogues at all levels is important
address the complexities of modern heat present, rather than only during ex- OSH management systems must
challenges. Excessive heat is a severe treme weather events. incorporate measures to prevent and con-
issue affecting workers, public health, trol heat stress, with workplace asses-
and the environment. Climate change A people-centred, rights-based ap- sments that actively involve workers.
and heat-related initiatives must in- proach is key, ensuring workers’ fun- Social dialogue should be the founda-
clude OSH to coordinate a response. damental right to a safe and healthy tion of all actions to combat excessive
Addressing workplace heat stress effec- workplace. This includes the right to heat. Engaging stakeholders at all
tively will require governments, busi- be informed about safety risks and to levels, with meaningful participation
nesses, labour groups, global organiza- remove themselves from hazardous from workers and their representatives,
tions, OSH networks, and non-profi ts conditions without fear of retaliation. is key to creating and implementing
to exchange expertise, resources, and Tailored strategies will be necessary for effective heat stress policies since
proven strategies. different indoor and outdoor sectors to workers can offer invaluable insights
protect workers, particularly those in into the daily risks they face.
To enhance responses and prevent vulnerable roles like garment factory
overlapping efforts, it is necessary to employees or those in agriculture and As the risk to worker safety from
ensure alignment between the Minis- construction. heat escalates, prioritizing focused
tries of Labour, Health, Environment, research and enhancing global under-
and Climate on issues related to heat Affordable and practical solutions standing to drive coordinated, evi-
stress. must be designed and prioritized, dence-driven actions is critical. A
especially for informal work settings and unifi ed effort is needed to tackle this
Most heat-related exposures and in- micro, small, and medium-sized pressing issue for workers, communi-
juries occur not just during heat waves, enterprises (MSMEs). Thankfully, many ties, and the environment so everyone
so it is essential to implement preven- protective measures are both cost- can access the fundamental right to a
tive measures whenever heat risks are effective and straightforward. Ensuring safe and healthy workplace.

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Chemical Weekly July 22, 2025 189

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