Outdoor Work Faces New Dangers from Rising Heat and Air Pollution

More than a quarter of the global workforce operates outdoors, making them particularly vulnerable to the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves and air pollution. Workers in industries such as construction, agriculture, transportation, and energy face heightened risks, with extreme heat contributing to heat-related illnesses and accidents. In addition to heat stress, poor air quality from increasing wildfires exacerbates respiratory problems.

Employers are being urged to adopt safety measures such as providing cooling stations, implementing shift changes, and utilizing air quality monitoring systems. Innovations like wearable devices to monitor worker health and environmental conditions can play a vital role in preventing accidents. Proactive efforts to protect outdoor workers not only safeguard human lives but also minimize business disruptions and protect corporate reputations.