Working regulations under the scorching sun  

Those working outside are particularly exposed to uncharacteristically hot conditions, which scientists say are likely to become more frequent as a result of climate change. Outside temperatures higher than 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) can be dangerous during physical activity, due to the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Serious health problems are more likely above 41 C.

When temperatures rise above 26 Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), employers in Germany are supposed to take steps like adjusting work hours or prodiving fans. Yet even when it gets hotter than 35 degrees C, workers have no legal right to air conditioning. The labor ministry has reported an increase in the number of sick days due to rising heat. Some are now proposing shorter hours on very hot days.

Following the death of a construction worker last year, Italy imposed an outdoor work ban in 13 regions during peak heat hours. This month's heat wave has sparked a new national debate about how to better protect workers. Lawmakers and labor unions are now demanding greater worker rights and enforceable national rules on maximum temperatures to which staff can be exposed.

Farmers and fishermen in Brazil are not covered by formal labor regulations for extreme heat, so can legally be expected to work in very hot weather. As a result, they are turning to makeshift solutions such as working at night so as to escape the punishing sun. More frequent heat waves have ignited concerns about occupational heat stress, especially for farm- and construction workers.

In 2021, Qatar introduced a midday work ban for extreme heat, and worker protection rights in temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius (90 F). Yet human rights organizations claim hundreds of migrant workers died prior to the 2022 World Cup due to long working hours in heat over 45 C, which authorities deny. In many countries, unskilled migrant workers are most vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

US rights groups are demanding federal rules that would make water, rest, and shade mandatory for outdoor workers once temperatures hit 27 degrees Celsius (81 F). So far only California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington state offer such protection in extreme heat. Texas and Florida have blocked local laws that sought to enforce mandatory water breaks for outside laborers.

In Pakistan the heat hit a blistering 49 degrees Celsius (120 F) in 2024 but work didn't stop. NGO and governmet relief camps in the southern Sindh province provide water, wet towels, electrolytes and a bit of shade for people. The country’s 2024 Heatwave Action Plan is yet to become a law, leaving outdoor workers like construction laborers and delivery riders to fend for themselves on hot days.

While many offices in India have ACs, unions are demanding better protection, particularly for outdoor workers. The city of Delhi’s Heat Action Plan realeased this year promised 3,000 water coolers and a number of bus shelters, but local newspapers report that few have so far been installed. As heatwaves intensify, farmers and construction workers often face temperatures exceeding 40 C (104 F).

In Nigeria, the sun shows no mercy, and there is no national law to offer the workforce respite from the heat. With temperatures topping 42 degrees Celsius (108 F) and 57% of outdoor workers lacking regular access to water during labor hours, survival depends on finding shade. Workers often rely on makeshift shade, shift changes and pure resilience to get through the day.

When the temperature hits 33 degrees Celsius (91 F) in South Korea, some workers are given breaks of 10 to 15 minutes per hour. Two degrees more equals a full heat alert that leads some companies to offer staff ice vests and adjusted hours. For outdoor laborers, however, there are no measures. They have to rely on their wits, a cool wet towel and the hope of finding shade.