Medical coverage - One in five employees in Hesse is affected by heat, according to DAK.
Climate changes are causing serious impacts on the working environment, as per the findings of health insurance provider DAK. 17% of workers in Hesse claim to be highly affected by heatwaves, lower than the national average of 23%.
These insights are drawn from the "Health Risk Heat. Workplace in the Climate Change" report, which analyzes data from 263,000 DAK-insured employees in Hesse. Besides, a survey of around 1,000 employees aged between 18 and 65 in Hesse took place between August 22 and September 8, 2023.
"Rising temperatures bring about the greatest health risk from climate change. Hesse was the first federal state to create a heat action plan. Our report highlights the importance of creating better protective structures for the citizens," said DAK regional manager, Britta Dalhoff.
Elderly employees and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to heat (20% and 21% or 38% respectively). Additionally, those who work outdoors are more likely to be affected (16% compared to non-outdoors workers).
Almost three-quarters of those surveyed anticipate reduced performance levels due to extreme temperatures. 60% of Hesse workers experience slight constraint, while 10% observe significant constraint. Over one-fifth of employees notice heat-induced health problems (20%).
Hot weather has already begun influencing well-being. A study of DAK-insured employees' medical absences in Hesse reveals an increase in absences due to heart and circulatory diseases as temperatures rise. The increase takes place slightly later, following a pattern similar to the measured daily temperatures.
"Companies need to adjust all work activities and arrange suitable protective measures during hot spells. Heat is already having an adverse effect on productivity," suggested Volker Nürnberg, an expert in occupational health management.
Steps employers can take:
Over a quarter of employees predict their workplace conditions will worsen due to recurring heat surges in the future. On the other hand, 76% can take measures to safeguard themselves at work: darkening workspaces (83%) and receiving appropriate drinks (75%). Flexible working options like working from home or adjusting working hours are less popular: just 20% have the choice to nap, while 40% wouldn't utilize this option.
Employers must act to ensure their workforce's health and well-being amid increasing heat associated with climate change.
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DAK's regional manager, Britta Dalhoff, emphasized the need for better protective structures in Hesse, a federal state that was the first to create a heat action plan due to rising temperatures being the greatest health risk from climate change.
Among those affected by heatwaves in Hesse, elderly employees and individuals with pre-existing health conditions make up a significant portion, with 20% and 21% respectively, and those who work outdoors are more likely to be affected (16%).
The increase in medical absences due to heart and circulatory diseases among DAK-insured employees in Hesse as temperatures rise highlights the impact of climate change on health.
