One in five workers across the European Union is exposed to high temperatures on the job, highlighting how extreme heat is becoming one of the fastest-growing workplace risks linked to climate change, according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA).
The warning comes as Europe experiences one of its most intense heatwaves in recent years, with soaring temperatures disrupting daily life, straining healthcare systems and affecting millions of workers.
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Productivity Comes Under Pressure
Robert Marks, chief climate economist at Oxford Economics, said temperatures between 30°C and 40°C can significantly reduce productivity and disrupt operations across sectors such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, retail and hospitality, where employees often work in uncontrolled environments.
As temperatures rise above 30°C, businesses typically face a double challenge: lower labour productivity and higher energy costs for cooling buildings and equipment.
Cyprus Faces Growing Heat Risks
The issue is particularly relevant in Cyprus, where increasingly frequent heatwaves have renewed attention on workplace safety, especially for outdoor workers.
When necessary, the Labour Inspection Department issues heat stress guidance based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which takes both temperature and humidity into account. During periods of extreme heat, restrictions are commonly introduced for heavy and moderate outdoor work, including certain delivery services during the hottest hours of the day.
In 2025, the department issued at least five heat-related notices covering emergency measures and temporary work stoppages. No comparable emergency order has been identified so far in 2026.
Climate Change Is Expanding Workplace Risks
According to EU-OSHA, climate change is exposing workers to a broader range of occupational hazards, including extreme heat, ultraviolet radiation, air pollution and increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
Heat stress can lead to dehydration, fatigue, heat-related illness and reduced concentration, increasing the likelihood of workplace accidents. Limited recovery between shifts, particularly where homes lack adequate cooling, can further worsen health risks.
The agency also points to growing exposure to floods, wildfires and poor air quality, which increase the risk of injuries, respiratory diseases and other health problems. Emergency responders face additional hazards, including toxic gases, fire and psychological stress.
Employers Expected To Adapt
EU-OSHA says employers should assess climate-related workplace risks and introduce preventive measures, prioritising engineering and organisational controls before relying on personal protective equipment.
Common measures include adjusting working hours, increasing rest breaks, providing drinking water, improving ventilation and cooling, and supplying appropriate protective clothing. The agency also recommends heat action plans, worker training and the use of digital tools such as heat-alert systems.
Outdoor Workers Face The Greatest Exposure
Outdoor occupations remain the most vulnerable to rising temperatures and extreme weather. Agricultural and forestry workers, construction employees, firefighters, police officers and rescue personnel face elevated risks from heat stress, physical exhaustion and hazardous conditions.
Indoor workers are also affected. Employees in poorly ventilated buildings or high-temperature industries, as well as healthcare staff wearing protective equipment during heatwaves, face a higher risk of heat-related illness while demand for medical services increases.
As Europe adapts to a warming climate, heat is becoming more than a seasonal challenge. For employers and policymakers alike, it is increasingly a workforce, productivity and economic issue requiring long-term adaptation.
