Europe’s employers face a new challenge—keeping workers safe during heatwaves

Europe's workforce faces an emerging challenge as the continent grapples with rapidly warming temperatures, according to a recent Copernicus study. The EU space program's Earth observation service found Europe, aside from the Arctic, to be the fastest-warming region on the planet since the 1990s, with temperatures rising at double the global average. This trend is exacerbated by the looming threat of a "very strong" super El Niño, which could push temperatures to record highs across Europe in the coming months.

The implications for public health are severe, with an estimated 25,000 people dying during Europe's worst-ever heatwave in June, particularly affecting the elderly and vulnerable populations. Extreme heat also has significant implications for businesses, particularly in terms of productivity losses. Studies show worker output declines by 2% to 3% for every degree above 20 degrees Celsius, and temperatures don't need to be extreme for productivity to suffer.

While southern European countries are more accustomed to extreme heat, businesses across Europe are taking steps to mitigate the risks. Industries with a predominantly outdoor workforce, such as agriculture, construction, refuse collection, and logistics, are among the most exposed. However, even in cooler Northern European countries, employees may still struggle to acclimatize to rising temperatures.

Addressing heat stress is now a priority for many European companies. The International Labour Organization (ILO) stresses the need to consider heat stress beyond just heatwave periods, as 90% of exposure to excessive heat occurs outside of these official periods. In response, companies are implementing measures such as conducting assessments of heat-related impacts, conducting regular employee consultations, providing staff training, and monitoring workers for heat-related illnesses.