Filenews 25 August 2025 - by Theano Thiopoulou
In summer and especially on days with increased temperatures, as usual there are warnings from the Labour Inspection Department for the interruption of work due to the heat wave, resulting in the need to stop all outdoor heavy and moderate work, product transport and/or delivery operations using two-wheeled vehicles. The issue is not only Cypriot, and temperatures exceeding 40 or even 50 degrees Celsius are becoming more and more common, showing the need to address the thermal stress of workers worldwide.
The World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization have presented a joint report and guidance on its website on the growing health challenges that extreme temperatures bring to workers internationally. "As climate change causes more frequent and more intense heatwaves, many workers who are regularly exposed to hazardous heat conditions are already feeling the health effects of rising temperatures, especially manual workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction and fisheries. Increasing heatwaves are also leading to health problems for vulnerable populations in developing countries, such as children, the elderly and low-income populations."
The new report and technical guidance, titled "Climate Change and Heat Stress in the Workplace," are based on five decades of research and evidence, highlighting that workers' health and productivity are severely affected by rising temperatures. The WMO (World Meteorological Organization) reports that 2024 was the warmest year on record. Daytime temperatures above 40°C, even above 50°C, are becoming increasingly common, which is a clear indication that immediate action is needed to address the worsening impact of heat stress on workers worldwide.
Key findings
The report and guidelines outline key issues related to the health effects of extreme heat.
• The frequency and intensity of extreme heat waves have increased sharply, increasing the risks for both outdoor and indoor workers.
• Employee productivity is reduced by 2-3% for every degree above 20°C.
• Health risks include heat stroke, dehydration, kidney dysfunction and neurological disorders, which hinder long-term health and financial security.
About half of the world's population suffers the negative effects of high temperatures. To address these challenges, the report calls for the implementation of occupational heat action plans, tailored to specific sectors and regions, and developed in cooperation with employers, workers, trade unions and public health experts.
