Theo CNBC, the planet warming leads to many consequences, and the world of work is no exception. A recent report from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMEchE) outlines the impact on workers when temperatures rise.
“Temperature comfort is very important in the workplace. Without it, workers’ morale, health, productivity and even safety will be adversely affected,” the analysis said. alert volume.
Productivity drop
According to the group of experts participating in the study, a warming working environment will create great challenges for employees. They point out that “the risk of accidents is increased because cognitive thinking is no longer as sharp as usual”.
“There are many reasons why people become tired, exhausted and unable to focus on the tasks they are doing,” Tim Fox – lead author of the report – told. CNBC.
“There are many reasons why people become tired, exhausted, and unable to focus on the tasks they are doing,” said Tim Fox, lead author of the IMEchE report.
Mr. Fox warned that issues related to worker productivity also include equipment, facilities and building design.
“Extremely hot weather will ultimately affect the productivity, the economy of the country and the whole world,” he stressed.
Previously, in 2019, the International Labor Organization (ILO) released more detailed estimates. Accordingly, the economic losses due to excessive heat in the workplace are $280 billion in 1995.
But by 2030, this number is expected to increase 2.4 trillion USD. The effects of temperature stress will be most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries.
The ILO report also highlights the sectors most likely to be impacted.
“Those working in construction and agriculture will be hardest hit, accounting for 60% and 19% of working hours lost to heat stress by 2030, respectively,” the ILO report said. state.
Farmers and construction workers are severely affected
Heat stress is a serious problem. The ILO describes this as a condition in which the body temperature is too high to be tolerated and will cause physiological effects.
Other outdoor activities may also be affected. In the interview with CNBCMr. Fox highlighted the potential challenges faced by workers in refineries, gas and chemical plants.
“Those working in construction and agriculture will be hardest hit, accounting for 60% and 19% of working hours lost to heat stress by 2030, respectively,” ILO report.
These jobs all involve quite a lot of outdoor activities. Due to the nature of their work, workers must also wear personal protective equipment.
“The protective equipment is quite bulky and hot, even when worn in cold weather,” he said. If it is hot, workers will be more at risk and become more vulnerable.
Factories are also now a concern. Mr. Fox pointed out that these buildings are not specifically designed to avoid heat absorption, especially extreme heat.
“They’re also full of heat-generating equipment, and it’s very difficult for factories, warehouses and large buildings to passively cool,” Fox pointed out.
Moreover, not everywhere is air conditioning in offices as common. Mr. Fox notes that office buildings in countries with temperate climates, such as the UK, can get quite hot because they don’t have a lot of air conditioning installed.
Theo Zing
