(MENAFN) The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a joint report Friday warning that extreme heat is putting billions of workers at serious risk, as climate change fuels more frequent and intense heatwaves.

"Heat stress is already harming the health and livelihoods of billions of workers, especially in the most vulnerable communities," said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO assistant director-general for health promotion, disease prevention and care. "This new guidance offers practical, evidence-based solutions to protect lives, reduce inequality, and build more resilient workforces in a warming world."

The report, titled Climate change and workplace heat stress, draws on five decades of research, illustrating the significant impact rising temperatures have on both health and productivity. The WMO noted that 2024 set a record for the hottest year, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and even reaching 50°C in some areas.

"Occupational heat stress has become a global societal challenge, which is no longer confined to countries located close to the equator – as highlighted by the recent heatwave in Europe," said WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett. "Protection of workers from extreme heat is not just a health imperative but an economic necessity."

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