A recent study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights a critical link between rising temperatures and worker deaths, showing that increased mortality begins at relatively low temperatures.
Analysing data from Columbia covering 2017 to 2021, the research shows that across all occupations, monthly maximum temperatures between 26°C and 32°C were associated with an additional 0.04 deaths per 1,000 workers, compared with months in which maximum temperatures remained below 26°C.
As maximum daily temperatures climb above 32°C, the risk of death among workers aged 15 to 59 nearly doubles to 0.09 additional deaths per 1,000 workers. While the average increase might seem small, it represents a significant burden on specific industries and communities already facing the brunt of climate change. With temperatures regularly hitting the 40’s in our Australian summers, the need to address this issue is critical.
The data shows that the danger is not distributed equally. Workers in physically demanding or poorly ventilated roles face the highest risks. Assemblers recorded the most severe impacts, followed by health professionals, agricultural workers, and teachers. Men generally experience higher mortality rates than women overall, but female health workers showed distinct vulnerabilities due to workplace conditions. The study also suggests that risks for farmers may be underestimated, as many rural areas lack accurate local weather data, meaning the true extent of exposure in remote fields could be even higher.
Several factors drive these disparities, including heavy physical exertion, limited access to shade, and the use of protective gear that traps heat. For example, hospital staff or factory workers often work in environments where ambient heat is compounded by machinery or human density. Without adequate ventilation or cooling breaks, the body struggles to regulate temperature, leading to heat stress and potentially fatal outcomes.
To combat this, the ILO recommends practical, immediate changes in the workplace. Employers should ensure free access to drinking water, provide cool rest areas, and adjust schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Regular health monitoring and training on how to recognise heat illness symptoms are also essential.
As climate change intensifies, these risks will grow. Strengthening workplace safety protocols, expanding coverage to informal workers, and fostering dialogue between employers and employees are crucial steps. By taking proactive measures now, we can protect the health and lives of those who keep our workplaces running, regardless of the temperature.
You can learn more about how workplaces can prepare for extreme weather at this year’s VTHC HSR Conference. Complete our HSR Conference 2026 Expressions of Interest to be notified when registrations open.