Working in a heat wave and its impact on workers and prevention in Slovenia
In recent decades, heat waves have become more frequent. Both Slovenia and the whole world feel the consequences of these extreme temperatures. In particular, workers who are exposed to the direct effects of heat outdoors or in non-air-conditioned environments face challenges. We will delve deeper into the consequences that heat waves have on workers, and review preventive measures in Slovenia.Coping with working conditions during heat waves
According to data from around the world, the past seven years have been the warmest in recorded temperature history. Even more alarmingly, Sicily in Italy recently recorded the highest temperature in Europe to date. An incredible 48.8 degrees Celsius.
Impact of climate change on global warming
Climate change, which is the result of growing emissions of greenhouse gases, leads to more frequent and intense heat waves. In a discussion with Deutsche Welle , Mauro Facchini from C3S emphasized that the temperatures and extreme weather events of the previous year were a warning about the need to reduce global emissions.
To prevent the most catastrophic consequences of climate change, Facchini suggests that it is crucial to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, in line with the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement. Since then, WWA scientists have pointed out that the Earth is already reached a warming of almost 1.2°C.
Even more alarmingly, they predict that if global warming reaches 2 degrees Celsius, the likelihood of heatwaves will increase from two to twenty times, with heatwave temperatures 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius higher.What this means for the future ? Projections show that if global warming reaches 2°C, the likelihood of heatwaves will increase by 2 to 20 times, with heatwaves on average 0.5 to 1.5°C warmer.
Economic impact of heat waves
Heat waves that last more than four days increase the death rate by 1.5 to 5 times compared to short heat periods. High temperatures not only affect health, but also have important economic consequences.
In a study published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature last October, the economic consequences of heat waves in Europe are analysed. The findings show that economic damage from heat waves will be almost five times higher by 2060 than in the period 1981-2010. The key reason for this is the reduced productivity of workers in conditions of extreme temperatures, which directly affects the drop in economic output.
Slovenian heatwave warning system: How Slovenia prepares for extreme temperatures
In Slovenia, since the nineties of the 20th century, between three and five heat waves have been recorded annually. Despite the fact that there is no global definition for heat waves, in Slovenia we consider it a heat wave when the thermometer shows over 24°C in continental climates, 25°C by the sea and 22°C in mountainous areas for at least three consecutive days .
When the temperature reaches 26°C, forecasters activate an orange warning, while a red warning follows at 28°C. In such conditions, the weather is potentially deadly.
Although weather forecasts are reliable for a maximum of two weeks in advance, current forecasts point to the possibility of above-average temperatures for Slovenia in the near future. It is not possible to predict with certainty the duration and intensity of upcoming heat waves, but it is essential to be prepared for them and to follow the warnings issued.
The impact of heat waves on productivity: How extreme temperatures reduce work efficiency
Heat waves bring not only discomfort, but also a drastic reduction in productivity, especially for working individuals. Despite the seriousness of these consequences, the preparedness of individuals for heat waves is often insufficient.
German research warns: for every degree above 25°C, productivity decreases by 2%. At 35°C, this means a reduction of as much as 20%. Similar results are also confirmed by Slovenian research.
As part of the European Heat Shield project, which included 20 partners from Europe, they analyzed sectors that represent half of the working population and almost 40% of European GDP: among them manufacturing, agriculture, construction, transport and tourism. The leading Slovenian researchers of this project, climatologist Lučka Kajfež Bogataj and Igor Mekjavić from the Jožef Stefan Institute, conducted the experiment in Planica. Subjects worked for nine days in a simulated heat wave, where the results revealed a 12-15% reduction in productivity in the extreme conditions. Mekjavić points out that for a more comprehensive picture, it would be necessary to extend the research to other demographic groups as well.
Heat stress in the workplace: How heat affects health and work performance
Heat stress is not only unpleasant, but can be a real health hazard, especially in the workplace. At high temperatures, body functionality decreases, as heat has a negative effect on physical and cognitive abilities.
With fever, increased body temperature, dehydration and excessive sweating inhibit concentration, cognitive functions and manual dexterity. This is not only a hindrance to work efficiency, but also increases the risk of accidents at work, as fatigue hinders the ability to act judiciously and safely.
The list of health problems that heat can cause is long. This ranges from mild symptoms such as heat rash and convulsions to more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and stroke. Some workers are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. These include those with poor physical condition, those with infections, people who abuse alcohol or drugs, and those with heart and vascular disease. Those who are overweight, in particular, are at higher risk of heatstroke because their bodies have a hard time dissipating heat and cooling down effectively.
It is therefore vital that employers and workers understand the dangers of heat stress, take preventive measures and arrange for appropriate care and rescue when necessary Heat stress is more than just an unpleasant sensation; poses a real health risk, especially in workplaces. As temperatures rise, the heat can weaken an individual's physical and cognitive abilities, affecting work performance.
Due to dehydration, increased body temperature and sweating, concentration, manual dexterity and mental functions are reduced. This not only reduces productivity, but also increases the risk of occupational accidents due to increased fatigue.
Health problems caused by heat range from heat rashes and cramps to serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and stroke. Certain groups of workers are particularly at risk of heat stress, including those with heart disease, who are overweight or in poor physical condition.
It is important that employers and employees recognize the symptoms of heat stress, implement preventive measures and provide prompt and effective care when necessary.
Protection of outdoor workers in Slovenia and what do the current regulations say?
In Slovenia, there is currently no specific regulation that would precisely define guidelines for employers regarding ensuring the safety of workers outdoors, especially in connection with exposure to sunlight. There is a Rulebook on requirements for ensuring the safety and health of workers at workplaces (UL RS 89/1999, 39/2005, 43/2011), and its article 93 only states that there must be workplaces where workers work outdoors , adequately protected against harmful weather effects. Concrete measures are left to the judgment and ingenuity of employers. The regulation mentions sunlight only in the context of window shading in closed work spaces, so that direct rays do not affect workers. Protection against extreme temperatures is specified only for indoor workplaces.
In addition, Article 94 of the rulebook stipulates that the employer must provide workers who perform light work outdoors, in the period between November 1 and March 31, with the possibility of occasional heating if the temperature falls below +16 ˚CV In Slovenia, the protection of workers outdoors in the context of sun exposure is partially regulated, but there is still a gap in the regulations. Although there is a Rulebook on the safety and health of workers at workplaces (UL RS 89/1999, 39/2005, 43/2011), it does not specify measures for sun protection. Article 93 of the regulations states that outdoor workplaces must be protected from the harmful effects of the weather, but the determination of concrete measures is left to employers.
Solar radiation is indicated only in relation to the shading of the windows of closed work spaces. The focus seems to be on protection from the cold. Article 94 stipulates periodic heating for workers who work outdoors between November 1 and March 31, when temperatures drop below +16 ˚C. However, protection against high temperatures during the summer months is not currently addressed.
Best practices and measures to protect workers during heat waves
During periods of extreme heat, it is the task of every organization and employer to adequately take care of the health and safety of their employees. How to do it?
The basis is a thorough analysis and risk assessment. The key is to identify the potential hazards associated with working in the sun and identify areas of greatest risk. Based on these findings, the company sets specific goals for preventing exposure to sunlight.
One of the main strategies is to adapt the work environment. The work schedule can be changed so that employees do not work during the hottest hours of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It also makes sense to invest in movable sunshades at the work site and ensure the availability of cold drinking water.
We must not neglect the importance of protective equipment. The clothing worn by employees should be made of dense materials that prevent the passage of UV rays. In addition, it is essential to provide quality sunglasses, protective caps and sun creams with a high protection factor.
Regardless of the quality of the measures, their effectiveness depends on whether the employees are well informed and trained to use them correctly. Communication is key: visual reminders such as posters and leaflets can warn of hazards and offer solutions for a safer work environment during heat waves.
Adjusting the work environment
How to organize work? The idea here is to adapt the work. And sun exposure during the hottest hours (between 10am and 4pm) is reduced. Adjustments should be considered such as:
- An earlier start to the workday to avoid peak daytime temperatures.
- Split working hours, which may include longer breaks between the hottest hours.
- Doing the most strenuous or difficult tasks in the morning when temperatures are cooler.
- A combination of working outdoors and indoors or in the shade to minimize direct sun exposure.
Workplace equipment: The workplace should be equipped to protect workers from the sun. This may include:
- Movable sunshades or curtains under which work can be carried out.
- Creating shaded areas where workers can rest and cool off. This is especially important for longer breaks such as the lunch break.
- Providing access to refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, especially water, in these shaded areas.
- Judicious placement of movable or permanent shades on work equipment such as work machinery to reduce direct sun exposure.
Provision of work clothes and equipment
This refers to the protective equipment that workers wear to protect themselves from sunlight and UV rays.
- Work clothes should be light and loose to allow ventilation, but dense enough to block UV radiation.
- Workers must be provided with headgear that protects the head, neck, ears and face.
- Sunglasses should comply with protective standards and protect the eyes from UVA and UVB radiation.
- Encouraging the use of sunscreens with a high protection factor that are available at workplaces.
At Pharsol Protect, we recommend light work clothes and work pants that offer enough protection despite the heat, and low work shoes .
Notices and reminders in visible places: In order for workers to constantly follow safety measures, reminders should be designed and placed in visible places. They can take the form of warning signs, leaflets or leaflets reminding you of the risks of sun exposure and how to protect yourself.
In general, therefore, the emphasis is on a combination of adjusting working hours, appropriate workplace equipment and the provision of protective equipment for workers to reduce the risk of exposure to the sun.
One of the most important measures is the education and training of employees. This step is essential to make employees aware of the risks and the correct use of protective equipment.
Finally, monitoring and evaluation of measures is also essential. Regular review and adjustment of the program ensures that the measures are always effective and adapted to the current situation.
With all these measures, employees can be better protected from the risks of working in a heat wave.
During periods of extreme heat waves, when temperatures rise and the sun shines relentlessly, the risks to the health and safety of workers increase. However, with the right combination of proactive measures, awareness and ongoing education, we can create a work environment that is not only safer, but also more productive. Exposure to the sun's rays and extreme temperatures is something we may have to deal with more often in the future, so flexibility and constant adaptation is key. Investing in the safety and well-being of employees is not only ethically correct, but also makes economic sense, as healthy and motivated workers contribute to better work results and the overall success of the organization.
