The warning follows new ILO-commissioned studies examining the effects of workplace heat stress on employment, productivity and economic performance in the three African countries. The research indicates that rising temperatures are already reducing working hours and economic output, with the situation expected to worsen significantly over the coming years.

“The studies project that, even under a low-emissions pathway, reduced working time caused by rising heat stress could amount to the equivalent of about 2.46 million full-time jobs across the three countries by 2040. Ethiopia is expected to account for approximately 1.78 million of the projected job losses, while Ghana is expected to lose 550,000 jobs and Senegal 129,000 jobs, according to the world’s biggest labour union.

The combined annual gross domestic product (GDP) losses across the three countries are projected to reach approximately $67bn by 2040, compared with the historical reference period. Ethiopia is expected to account for $33.3bn of the losses, followed by Ghana with $23.2bn and Senegal with $10.5bn.

The studies also show that the effects of workplace heat stress are already evident. In 2023, climate change-related heat stress caused additional reductions in working time and economic output across all three countries when measured against their historical baselines.

Agriculture and construction face particularly high exposure because of the physical demands involved and the large number of workers employed outdoors. However, the consequences extend beyond these sectors to manufacturing, transportation, trade and services. Businesses and workers operating in the informal economy are also affected.

The extent of the impact varies across the three countries.

In Ethiopia, workplace heat stress resulted in more than one million additional full-time equivalent job losses in 2023 compared with an average year during the historical reference period. Agriculture accounted for approximately three-quarters of the losses.

Ghana recorded the equivalent of more than 345,000 additional full-time jobs lost to workplace heat stress in 2023, with agriculture contributing roughly two-thirds of the total. Under the low-emissions pathway, the figure is projected to increase to approximately 550,000 jobs by 2040.

In Senegal, nearly 72,000 additional full-time equivalent jobs were lost in 2023, with services and agriculture bearing much of the impact. The projected losses could rise to approximately 129,000 full-time jobs by 2040.

Commenting on the findings, ILO Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Kayirangwa, said the consequences of rising temperatures now extend beyond environmental concerns to employment, public health and economic stability.

“Governments, employers and workers need to act together, combining stronger occupational safety and health measures with social protection, climate adaptation and economic planning. Protecting people from heat means protecting livelihoods, enterprises and the resilience of our economies,” she said.

The research outlined several measures governments and businesses could introduce to reduce heat-related risks and protect economic activity.

Among the recommendations are adjusting working schedules to avoid the hottest hours, establishing appropriate work-and-rest periods, providing shaded workspaces, drinking water and cooling facilities, and improving workplace heat monitoring.

The ILO also called for stronger occupational safety standards and increased awareness of the warning signs and health risks associated with heat stress.

Social protection was identified as particularly important for workers in the informal economy, many of whom cannot afford to reduce their working hours without sacrificing essential income.

According to the organisation, effective responses must take account of the different working conditions and economic circumstances across countries and industries. Cooperation and dialogue involving governments, employers and workers will also be essential in developing practical solutions.

The Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal studies are part of a broader six-country research initiative that also examines Lebanon, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The research was commissioned by the ILO in collaboration with the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable 20 Finance Ministers. Funding was provided through the CVF-V20 Joint Multi-Donor Fund.

By combining climate projections, labour market information and economic modelling, the studies assess how workplace heat stress affects productivity, employment and national economies, both currently and in the future.

SOURCE: Punch.