The relentless heatwaves of Summer 2024 shattered records globally and placed unprecedented pressure on workers and businesses alike. Across multiple regions, including the United States and Europe, extreme temperatures soared, making this summer the hottest on record. Phoenix, for instance, endured an astonishing 113 consecutive days at or above 100°F, exposing workers to dangerous conditions that demand serious, proactive management.
With approximately 23 million occupational injuries worldwide are attributed to excessive heat annually, and over 19,000 deaths occur as a result, the inarguable dangers of rising temperatures, increasing both the frequency and intensity of heat-related incidents, the consequences have been profound. Immediate risks, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, have been compounded by long-term impacts on cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal health for workers exposed to extreme heat. Alarmingly, this risk is only projected to grow by 2030, heat stress could cut 2.2% of global working hours, which would be equivalent to the output of 80 million full-time jobs., which would be equivalent to the output of 80 million full-time jobs.
Read the full article on OH&S, that breaks down how global organizations are now working to address the need for comprehensive heat safety protocols.
Written by Julianna Giordanella, Product Marketing Specialist at Cority.