Intensifying Heatwaves Heighten Workforce Health Risks: International SOS Calls for Proactive Heat Safety Measures

The first half of 2025 has seen record-breaking temperatures sweep across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, impacting workers across industries, especially those in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics. International SOS, the world’s leading security, health and wellbeing services company, has reported a 13% increase in client calls for heat-related assistance between January and July this year, compared to the same period in 2024.

A recent study reveals that nearly half of the global population experienced at least one additional month of extreme heat (hotter than the 90th percentile of daily maximum temperatures observed in their local area over the 1991–2020 period) between June 2024 and June 2025. Extreme droughts and extended dry conditions have fueled a surge in wildfire activity, with over 100 million hectares burned globally as of June 2025. In many regions¹, these prolonged conditions, which can be exacerbated by other environmental factors such as air pollution, have triggered emergency public health responses, highlighting the urgent need for proactive heat-related health and safety measures.

Dr Katherine O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, comments:

Heatwaves are no longer anomalies - what was once considered a seasonal or regional issue is now a global occupational hazard, affecting both physical and psychological health. Beyond heatstroke and dehydration, extreme heat worsens chronic conditions such as respiratory, cardiovascular and kidney disease. It also triggers physiological responses such as dizziness, fatigue, increased heart rate and breathing difficulties, even indoors, as well as impacting cognitive performance and decision-making.

With 41% of organizations already feeling the impact of extreme heat on their operations in the last year, the business case for action is clear. Organizations must act decisively: integrate heat risk assessments, train staff to spot early symptoms, and promote hydration and rest. These steps are vital to protect employee wellbeing and maintain productivity in an increasingly hot world.

International SOS recommends five essential measures to safeguard workforce health and safety during extreme heat events:

1. Conduct heat-specific risk assessments: Regularly evaluate work environments and tasks for heat exposure risks. Pay special attention to outdoor roles and indoor spaces lacking ventilation or cooling systems.
2. Embed heat safety into workplace policies: Make heat stress prevention a core part of health and safety protocols. Provide shaded rest areas, hydration stations, and breathable workwear suitable for high temperatures.
3. Deliver heat awareness training: Educate employees on recognizing symptoms like dizziness, cramps, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. Include guidance on hydration, pacing work, and sun protection.
4. Establish clear response protocols: Develop and communicate procedures for managing heat-related illnesses, including first aid and emergency escalation. Ensure all staff know who to contact in a heat emergency.
5. Review and adapt plans regularly: Update heat safety strategies to reflect evolving climate conditions and best practices. Continuous improvement is key to long-term resilience.

To learn more on how International SOS can support organizations in adapting to the impacts of extreme weather events, click here.

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_{1. In California, a series of catastrophic fires erupted in January. By April, wildfires had already scorched more land in the UK this year than in any other year over the past decade, while South Korea faced its deadliest wildfires in March—both well beyond the traditional fire season.}