Some 360,000 workers in Netherlands experience heat stress on the job

Nearly 360,000 employees in the Netherlands experience “heat stress” at work. That is approximately 4 percent of the working population, TNO reported based on research. Cooks, police officers, bakers, and welders are most likely to suffer from serious heat complaints.

“They often work in warm environments, wear protective clothing, or do heavy work. As a result, their bodies have more trouble dissipating the heat,” the researchers said.

Heat stress occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. It can lead to complaints like fatigue, concentration problems, fainting, heat stroke, and in the long term, also heart, kidney, or lung problems, according to TNO.

The researchers determined that heat sources like ovens, gas stoves, and machines played a role in 84 percent of employees who experienced heat stress. Weather conditions played a role for 43 percent. These employees experience more than 80 hours of heat stress every year, depending on their profession.

Data collected worldwide has linked heat-related stress to 23 million accidents and 19,000 deaths annually. The effects of hot temperatures faced by workers in the Netherlands remain unknown.

Heat complaints can be prevented by providing more ventilation or shade, TNO said. Adjustments to working hours can also help the situation. However, many employees are often unable to postpone their tasks or conduct their jobs remotely so they can take advantage of cooler conditions.