2024 has already seen record heatwaves across Asia, Africa, America, Europe and the Middle East. Greece reported its earliest recorded heatwave this month, and Italy, Turkey and Cyprus all reporting extreme temperatures.
As well as becoming more common, heatwaves are becoming longer, more frequent and more intense. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of people exposed to heatwaves increased by around 125 million1.
The World Health Organization states, “Heat is an important environmental and occupational health hazard. Heat stress is the leading cause of weather-related deaths and can exacerbate underlying illnesses"2.
Environmental and Health Implications
Extreme heat can also increase the risk of other types of natural disasters. Hot, dry conditions can create wildfire conditions and exacerbate drought. In extreme temperatures, air quality is also affected. Hot, sunny days can increase the production of ground-level ozone, the main component of smog, which can affect the respiratory system and exacerbate asthma.
Heatwaves can increase the strain on health and emergency services as well as increase demand for water, energy and transportation, leading to power outages. If crops and livestock are lost due to extreme heat, both incomes and supply chains can also be affected.
Extreme heat can cause a variety of health issues, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Groups that are particularly vulnerable to heat stress include older adults, infants and children, people with chronic health conditions, and outdoor workers. Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and can be fatal. It occurs when the body is no longer able to control its temperature, and the body temperature rises rapidly. Immediate medical attention is required.
Cardiovascular and respiratory complications and kidney disease are also exacerbated by heat, with most heat-related deaths due to cardiovascular events.
Strategies to Support Your Workforce
Organisations can consider the following to support their workforce from extreme heat:
- Putting in place a heatwave early warning system. Communicate heat wave risks and suggest protective actions.
- Issuing heat alerts.
- Identifying vulnerable populations and creating heat preparedness plans, that may include adopting workplace heat stress standards.
- Advising workers to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during heat alerts.
- Installing air conditioning.
- Installing cool and green roofs and cool pavements.
- Planting trees to provide shade.
Checklist to Address the Risks of Heatwaves
To prevent the impact of extreme temperatures on your travellers, we have created a checklist of considerations before and during a trip.
Pre-Trip
- Stay informed: Before your trip, check the local weather forecast and advice.
- Choose hotel accommodation wisely: Book accommodation with air conditioning, fans and power backup.
- Pack appropriate clothing: If the country you are travelling to has hot weather, pack loose, light-coloured clothing, natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, which are cooler than synthetics such as polyester or nylon.
During the Trip
- Allow time for acclimatisation: Take note that children take longer to acclimatise.
- Plan your commute: Check the condition of the vehicles you are travelling in and if they have air conditioning. Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car.
- Carry these items with you:
- Water bottle
- Hat, sunglasses and/or umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Health kit
For information on how our Health Consulting team can support your organisation in addressing health risks, click here.