Heat stress rising in workplaces, experts urge immediate preparation

Occupational health providers ArboNed and HumanCapitalCare have urged employers to take steps to protect workers as temperatures rise. They say the heat is increasing pressure across many workplaces, but that relatively simple measures can help mitigate the impact. Suggested actions include carrying out tasks during cooler hours, easing workloads where possible, and allowing employees additional rest breaks.

The occupational health services say that heat has direct effects on people. Employees can become fatigued more quickly, have greater difficulty concentrating, and recover less effectively during the workday. "That increases the risk of mistakes and unsafe situations. Especially in jobs where safety, alertness, and physical exertion play an important role, this is a risk that should not be underestimated," said Redmer van Wijngaarden, occupational physician and director of medical affairs at ArboNed.

He says that proper preparation for hot weather is essential. "High temperatures are something employers need to take into account on a structural basis. They return every year." According to him, employers would therefore be wise to establish in advance which measures should apply during periods of heat. "If you only start thinking about it when it's 35 degrees, you're often too late."

Basic provisions also remain important, such as sufficient drinking water, shaded areas, and opportunities to cool down. "With relatively simple measures, employers can reduce a great deal of discomfort and risk. By setting out these arrangements in advance, employees and managers have a clearer understanding of what is expected of them when temperatures rise," Van Wijngaarden said.

The occupational health services also report that sickness absence in May has decreased compared to April, but remains high. Stress-related absence in particular continues to be a major challenge for employers.