Almost half of workers say their workplace gets too hot in summer but just one in ten say action has been taken to keep them safe, showing the need for EU legislation on maximum working temperatures.
A report on the impacts of climate change published today by the European Environment Agency shows that 47% of people say they have felt too hot at work. That makes the workplace one of the highest risk environment – but only around 15% of workers say changes were made to work. The rate was even lower among the poorest workers who are often in jobs with the highest level of exposure to heat.
When temperatures rise above 30°C, the risk of workplace accidents increases by 5-7% and, when temperatures exceed 38°C, accidents are between 10% to 15% more likely, research shows. Exposure to heat also has long-term health risks, raising the chances of cardiovascular, respiratory and other conditions such as chronic kidney disease or infertility.
The findings reinforce existing EU data showing that 89% of employers say that the main reason they manage occupational health and safety is because of legislation. Without new legislation, each summer will bring a new wave of work-related deaths.
That is why the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is calling for binding measures to protect workers during extreme weather events to be included in the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act.
ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:
“Employers can’t be allowed to pretend that climate change isn’t happening. This survey shows they are not taking action to keep workers safe in high temperatures despite the fact its now a problem affecting almost half of all workers, especially those in the lowest paid jobs.
“Keeping people safe at work is a matter of common sense: ensuring that workers have access to shade, water, protective clothing, or can take a break when it becomes dangerously hot. The research shows this is not happening, now we need action.”
ETUC Confederal Secretary Giulio Romani said:
“Every summer now brings a spate of avoidable, work-related deaths and this research shows why – climate change is a growing risk to workers, but employers aren’t doing enough to adapt.
“Employers say themselves they take action on health and safety when required by law. That puts a responsibility on the Commission to bring forward legislation need to keep people safe at work when the temperatures is too hot, or indeed extremely cold.
"With another hot summer on its way, wasting time would mean losing lives. I hope that no one wants to have the responsibility of preventing or delaying a necessary and urgent law".
