Heat is becoming a workplace risk for many in India. Extreme heat outdoor workers India, The World Bank claims that heat-exposed work has been done by 75% of workers, around 380 million workers.
How Much Work Is Lost?
According to the Lancet Countdown, heat loss led to a loss of 247 billion potential labour hours, showing a loss of almost 420 hours of work per person in 2024. Farming accounted for 66% of the work lost, and building construction made up 20%. Possible losses in income are estimated at $194 billion. The average worker in India had 19.8 days of heatwaves.
Who Is Most Exposed?
Most risk is faced by informal workers like farm workers, builders, and street vendors. Losing a day’s work means losing a day’s income for them. The workers in cities report feeling faint and thirsty after only a few hours of working in the heat. Experts are suggesting the creation of heat-wage insurance for losing work income.
What Protection Exists? – extreme heat outdoor workers India
The Labour Ministry has made recommendations to change working hours in the hottest part of the day, set up shaded rest areas, and provide water. In Qatar, authorities prohibited outdoor work in summer heat. Find out why this is a public health problem.
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