For every degree Celsius that the temperature rises above 15 degrees, a worker’s productivity decreases by about 2%.
The summer of 2024 is characterized by long-term heat waves in Greece, as in other Southern European countries. climate change. High temperatures have a serious impact on human health and productivity, with consequences particularly felt for vulnerable groups and outdoor workers.
Physiology Professor of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences of the University of Thessaly. According to Andreas Flouris to APE-MBE, “exposure to high temperatures can cause various health effects such as hyperthermia and heat exhaustion. , heatstroke and dehydration. The heat we have experienced in the last two months shows the urgent need for health protection measures. The consequences of high temperatures are serious and require a coordinated effort from the state and many institutions.
Pregnant women are especially vulnerable
Continuing, Dr. Flouris explains that “pregnant women are especially vulnerable. Studies have shown that heat has a serious effect on the health of pregnant women and the fetus. Maternal heat exposure increases the risk of many pregnancy complications, including congenital anomalies, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and premature rupture of membranes. However, it is not yet known how heat exposure causes these adverse effects. We are currently conducting research to find out the mechanisms by which heat affects the health of a pregnant woman and the fetus. “If we understand these mechanisms, we can find solutions to reduce the risk of many pregnancy complications.”
Dr. Research by Andreas Flouris and his colleagues underscores the importance of protecting pregnant women from extreme temperatures and the need for appropriate prevention and intervention measures. Understanding the mechanisms by which heat affects health may lead to the development of new strategies to protect these vulnerable groups.
Risk of heatstroke
Tourists die every summer in Greece, usually due to heatstroke while hiking. As reported by Dr. Flouris, “this year there are more of these events. A typical example is the tragic death of a BBC journalist. Michael Mosley, died of heat while hiking in Simi. Mosley was found near a beach bar, and if someone had seen him and taken him to a cool place and given him water, he might have been saved. Such events highlight the importance of making the right decisions when we are in hot weather. It is important to be aware of the risks of physical activity at high temperatures and not to be alone. Self-defense measures include avoiding heat and sun exposure, staying hydrated, wearing appropriate light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and eating a light diet of fruits and vegetables.”
Continuing, Dr. Flouris states that “state, local authorities, and tourism businesses should step up efforts to inform tourists and protect them from extreme heat. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, providing first aid and having water in touristic areas, thus contributing to the reduction of heat stroke cases and the safety of visitors to our country.”
Heat: Effects on Productivity
Equally important is the effect of heat on productivity. Outdoor workers such as contractors face serious health risks. “Heat can cause dizziness, hyperthermia, and even heat stroke,” says Dr. Fluris, “while negatively impacting workers’ ability to perform their jobs effectively. For example, delivery drivers often tell them that the hot air is constantly blowing, that their reflexes are impaired and that they are at risk of accidents.”
The economic loss of productivity loss due to heat is also significant.
Dr. As Flouris points out, “we previously thought that these effects occurred at fairly high temperatures, i.e., only when the ambient temperature exceeded 27 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the problems only concern workers in a few countries or only in certain industries, such as agriculture and construction.” Our research over the last decade has shown that workers’ health and productivity problems start to appear at 15 degrees Celsius. For example, we found that a worker’s productivity decreases by about 2% for every degree Celsius that rises above 15 degrees Celsius. This finding has played an important role in changing the perception of central and northern European countries, which means that the problems are more widespread than we thought, and countries that were previously thought to be unaffected by climate change are actually experiencing drastic reductions in the productivity of their workers, according to our research it loses 2.2 billion euros every year. “The implementation of preventive measures can reduce economic losses and improve working conditions, offering long-term benefits for both workers and the economy.”