Spain is grappling with an escalating issue of workplace heat, particularly for outdoor workers. Urgent measures are needed to safeguard the health and safety of these employees.
Spain ranks second within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for the number of workers affected by workplace heat. The situation is expected to worsen as several Spanish regions are among the hottest areas in Europe both now and in the future. Outdoor workers, including street vendors, construction workers, farmers, and fishermen, are most vulnerable to extreme temperatures. These workers face not only heat but also cold, both of which significantly impact their health and work conditions.
Impact of heat exposure
Workers in Europe and the United States are increasingly facing high temperatures during their work hours. According to the OECD’s annual employment report, 13% of workers are exposed to these conditions for at least half of their workday. Surveys from 2015 reveal that Turkey has the highest percentage at 26%. This is followed by Spain at 25%, and Greece at 22%. Additionally, another 10% of workers in all surveyed countries are exposed to heat for at least a quarter of their working time.
Regional disparities
The report’s authors highlight significant differences between and within countries. In Spain, regions like Murcia and Asturias have more than 40% of workers exposed to heat for at least half of their workday. In Andalucia, this affects more than 30% of workers, with Extremadura just below that and Valencia slightly above 25%. Greek regions such as the Peloponnese and the South Aegean face similar issues.
Worrying future trends
The situation is expected to deteriorate as regions like Andalucia, Extremadura, and Valencia become increasingly warmer due to climate change. By 2050, rising temperatures are projected to impact these areas the most, with the exception of Asturias. It is crucial for governments to implement measures to protect workers. Adaptations are necessary to mitigate the impact of these rising temperatures on employees.
Read also: Record Number of Heat-Related Deaths Registered on the Costa del Sol in July