Overview

• Drawing on five decades of research, the release marks the first major WHO update on workplace heat since guidance last issued in 1969.
• WMO notes 2024 was the hottest year on record, with daytime temperatures above 40°C—and even 50°C—occurring more often.
• The report cites ILO findings that over 2.4 billion workers face excessive heat, leading to more than 22.85 million injuries and nearly 19,000 fatalities each year.
• Documented health risks include heatstroke, dehydration, kidney dysfunction and neurological disorders, with high-risk sectors such as agriculture, construction and fisheries.
• The agencies urge tailored occupational heat action plans developed with employers, workers, unions and health experts, prioritizing vulnerable groups and improving training to recognize often-misdiagnosed symptoms.