One in five workers in the European Union is exposed to high temperatures at work, making extreme heat one of the fastest-growing occupational risks associated with climate change, according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.
The issue is particularly topical, as Europe is currently experiencing one of the most intense heat waves, with high temperatures causing serious repercussions on public health and the daily lives of millions of citizens.
Robert Marks, chief climate economist at Oxford Economics, said temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius would "likely lead to severe productivity losses and immediate disruptions to work in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, retail and hospitality, as well as other sectors that cannot provide a protected working environment."
This is because productivity losses increase sharply when the thermometer rises above 30°C, while at the same time the energy costs for cooling machinery and buildings rise.
The (even more) high temperatures of the summer in Cyprus bring to the fore the issue of the safety and health of workers, especially those employed outdoors.
The Department of Labour Inspection, when there are reasons, issues special instructions for dealing with heat stress, taking into account not only temperature but also humidity, through the WBGT index. Usually, during periods of heat, heavy and moderate outdoor work and the transport or delivery of products (e.g. food delivery by motorbike) during peak heat hours are prohibited.
So far, for 2026, no separate emergency notice has been issued by the Cyprus Labour Inspection Department for the prohibition of work due to heat stress/heat wave (such as those issued when there is a warning for extreme temperatures). For 2025, the Department of Labour Inspection issued at least 5 announcements/instructions regarding emergency measures due to heat stress and work stoppages, with the start taking place on July 23 last year.
Extreme weather events
According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work report, higher temperatures, UV radiation, air pollution and extreme weather events affect occupational safety and health in almost all economic sectors. These factors can increase existing risks or create new ones, such as heat-related illnesses, infectious diseases, accidents, allergies, and cancer. In addition to the physical impacts, climate change can also affect the mental health of employees.
Rising temperatures are a major issue for indoor and outdoor workers, the report said. Heat waves can cause fatigue, dehydration, worsening of chronic diseases, and serious heat-related illnesses. Physical labor increases body temperature, while heat stress negatively affects the crisis and increases the risk of accidents. Inadequate recuperation between shifts, especially when workers live in homes with insufficient cooling, further aggravates the situation.
It is not only the increased temperatures, but the report records the concern about the floods in agricultural and forest fires, which are predicted to increase in number and severity throughout Europe, causing injuries and deaths. Adverse weather conditions, it is noted, may increase the risk of drowning, burns or frostbite. Emergency services workers face additional risks from toxic gases, explosions, and fire hazards.
But these are not only reasons, there is also air pollution. The report states that increased air pollution and increasing levels of aeroallergens (e.g. higher levels or an increase in allergic pollen), due to climate change, combined with other factors, increase the risk of respiratory diseases and other health problems both indoors and outdoors.
Employee Protection Policies
EU member states, according to the European Agency's report, require employers to carry out workplace risk assessments and put in place preventive measures to protect workers from any risk. Such measures should follow the hierarchy of control, giving priority to technical and organisational solutions before resorting to individual measures. EU Member States are addressing climate-related risks at different rates. Some countries include temperature limits in regulations or collective agreements, depending on the type and location of work. The report states that climate change mitigation measures may also create new risks, for example in the areas of renewable energy, green buildings or recycling.
It is also noted that in some EU Member States there are guidelines for managing exposure to heat and ultraviolet radiation, while some countries regulate working temperatures. The measures include the adjustment of working hours, the provision of rest areas, hydration, cooling systems and protective clothing.
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) provides practical guidance on managing heat-related risks and what to do if a worker suffers from a heat-related illness. Raising awareness about the effects of heat on occupational health and adaptation solutions is important for both employees and employers.
Employers, the report says, must prepare action plans to deal with the heat and can use digital tools, such as early warning systems or heat warning devices, and notes that employees must be consulted and employees trained on the implementation of preventive measures.
What are the risks?
The report by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work indicates that outdoor workers are exposed to extreme heat, extreme weather and pollutants. It is reported that sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and negatively affects cognitive functions, while extreme weather events increase injuries, stress and deaths. The jobs most commonly affected are farmers and forestry workers because they are exposed to heat stress, pollutants, allergens, risks of injury and musculoskeletal disorders resulting from cleaning operations following disasters.
Problems are also created for workers in the construction sector, facing risks of heat stress and accidents. Emergency services such as firefighters, police officers, and rescuers face body exhaustion and psychological strain.
Indoor workers, according to the report, are vulnerable during heat waves, especially in buildings with inadequate ventilation or in high-heat-intensive industries. Healthcare workers who use personal protective equipment in hot conditions may experience exhaustion and shortness of breath. Also, the report says, heatwaves increase the demand for medical care, creating high stress and workload, especially for older staff in urban hospitals.
