Heat-induced illnesses: Vulnerability to health problems during heat waves
In the face of escalating heat waves, Germany is grappling with an increase in heat-related sick days, posing significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. According to the Federal Statistical Office, around 1,400 heat-related deaths were recorded during the latest heatwave, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures[1][2].
### Trend of Heat-Related Sick Days
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe in Germany, leading to a surge in heat-related illnesses and deaths[1][2][3]. Hospitals, with inadequate air conditioning and infrastructure not adapted to extreme heat, face challenges, increasing risks for both patients and healthcare workers[1]. The health system records heat-related cases such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, contributing to the rising number of sick days during heatwaves[4].
### Prevention Measures
Schools have adopted measures like altering schedules, known as "tropical schedules", to avoid peak heat periods, especially in urban areas[2]. Authorities and organizations, including the International Federation of Red Cross, provide education, hydration, and assistance to vulnerable groups during heatwaves[2]. There is a growing call for upgrading buildings and infrastructure, including hospitals, to improve climate adaptation and reduce heat exposure[1].
The German Hospital Federation is advocating for long-term climate adaptation initiatives to retrofit hospitals with air conditioning and other cooling systems to better protect staff and patients during heat episodes[1].
### Proposed Reforms for Occupational Safety Ordinance
While specific proposed reforms to Germany’s Occupational Safety Ordinance (ArbSchG) regarding heat are not detailed, there is a growing consensus on the need to adapt occupational safety regulations to address heat risks[1][2][4]. Proposed reforms include:
- Mandatory employer obligations to provide cooling measures at workplaces during heatwaves. - Greater flexibility in work schedules or options for remote work during extreme heat. - Enhanced guidelines for outdoor work, including mandated rest breaks, hydration protocols, and protective measures to prevent heat-related illnesses. - Requirements for heat risk assessments and workplace adaptations, similar to how infectious diseases or chemical hazards are regulated.
These reforms aim to treat extreme heat as a critical occupational hazard requiring specific preventative strategies[1][2][4].
### Additional Context
Heat waves are described as a "silent killer" by WHO and other bodies, with many heat-related deaths going underreported in official statistics, underscoring the urgency of preventive occupational health measures[2][3]. Adaptation to more frequent and intense heat waves is recognized as a necessary societal and regulatory adjustment[2][3].
The Green Party's parliamentary group is proposing heat leave for employees, suggesting that workers in physically demanding outdoor jobs, such as roofers or road workers, would not have to work in the blazing sun at certain times, reducing health risks[5]. Green Party MP Ricarda Lang stated that voluntary self-commitment is often not enough, and the party's resolution suggests that employers should take measures to protect employees' health when the workplace temperature reaches 26 degrees Celsius[5].
In 2023, there were approximately 92,700 days of work absence due to heat-related illnesses, a 12% increase from the previous peak in 2018[6]. Measures proposed by the Green Party include adjusted working hours, longer paid breaks, sun protection, fans, and free provision of drinks[7].
Left Party politician Cem Ince finds the figures on heat-related sick days alarming and calls for a reform of the Occupational Safety Ordinance, demanding a requirement for concrete heat protection measures in workplaces[8]. Ince's demands include federal government action to address the issue of heat-related sick days[8].
The Ministry of Social Affairs has stated that the revision of relevant rules is on the agenda of the current work program of the responsible committee, but no target date has been given for the revision of the relevant rules[9]. Ince suggests a right to reduced working hours with full wage compensation to prevent heat-related injuries at work[9].
In conclusion, the rising number of heat-related sick days in Germany necessitates urgent action to protect workers from the harmful effects of heatwaves. Proposed reforms to the Occupational Safety Ordinance aim to mandate employer responsibilities for heat protection, workplace modifications, and flexible working conditions, aligning with broader calls from health and climate experts for specific preventative strategies. However, concrete legislative changes are still emerging in response to this escalating public health and occupational safety challenge.
- The trend of heat-related sick days in Germany is alarming, with heat waves leading to a surge in heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- To combat this issue, schools are adopting tropical schedules to avoid peak heat periods, and authorities are providing education, hydration, and assistance to vulnerable groups during heatwaves.
- Proposed reforms to Germany's Occupational Safety Ordinance aim to mandate employer responsibilities for heat protection, such as providing cooling measures during heatwaves, implementing flexible work schedules, and enhancing guidelines for outdoor work.
- The Green Party is advocating for heat leave for employees in physically demanding jobs during extreme heat, and left-party politicians are demanding a requirement for concrete heat protection measures in workplaces.
- The healthcare and wellness sector, including mental health, fitness and exercise, nutrition, and potential therapies and treatments like CBD, can play a crucial role in preventing and managing heat-related illnesses in the workplace by promoting wellness initiatives, stress management strategies, and nutritional guidance.
