Increased Number of Health Complaints Linked to Heatwave According to Insurance Company - Rising Health Concerns: Increase in Reported Illnesses Linked to Heat Exposure
A recent increase in heat-related sick leave reports has been observed in Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Saarland, according to Jörg Loth, CEO of IKK Südwest, who emphasizes the seriousness of heat as a health risk.
The data shows that more than two-thirds of the affected individuals are male. The average number of heat-related sick days per person in Saarland is 3.9, in Rhineland-Palatinate it's 3.8, and in Hesse it's 3.5.
Heat-related sick leave cases are particularly prevalent during heatwaves. Delivery workers, construction workers, and craftspeople who work outdoors daily under physical demands are most affected. Postal and courier service delivery workers have reported the most heat-related sick leave this year.
The rise in heat-related sick leave can be linked to increasing heatwaves and high temperatures due to climate change. By mid-July, over 500 people reported sick due to heat in Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and the Saarland, significantly more than the 400 cases for the entire year 2024.
Preventive Measures for Employers
Employers can take several steps to protect their employees from heat-related issues. These include installing effective cooling solutions such as air conditioning, implementing heat protection plans, assessing climate risks, and considering specific risks for vulnerable workers.
Installing effective cooling solutions such as air conditioning, especially in workplaces like hospitals, care facilities, and offices, is crucial. However, air conditioning remains limited in Germany due to costs and low installation rates.
Heat protection plans should include acclimatization protocols, adjusting work hours to cooler times of day, providing shaded rest areas, and ensuring access to hydration. Employers should also assess climate risks and adapt work environments to be more heat-resilient using governmental guidelines and legal requirements following Germany’s climate risk assessment mandates.
For vulnerable workers such as those wearing heavy protective gear or working outdoors, employers should ensure frequent breaks and hydration.
Preventive Actions for Employees
Employees can also take steps to protect themselves from heat-related issues. These include staying well-hydrated, taking regular breaks, wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, and reporting symptoms early.
Employees should also be aware of early symptoms of heat stress, such as dizziness and exhaustion. If they experience such symptoms, they should take immediate action and follow medical advice.
Nation-wide, experts urge enhancing heat adaptation strategies since heatwaves increasingly cause morbidity and mortality, straining healthcare and workforces. Germany’s health sector is calling for a €31 billion investment to retrofit medical and care facilities for climate resilience as heat-related deaths rise across Europe.
In conclusion, employers in Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Saarland should accelerate implementing cooling measures, flexible work schedules, and climate risk adaptation, while supporting employees through education on heat risks and hydration. Employees should practice heat safety behaviors and communicate health needs during heatwaves to reduce heat-related sick leave. This combined approach aligns with ongoing German initiatives to adapt work and healthcare environments to rising temperatures.
[1] German government's climate risk assessment mandates [2] Preventing heat-related illness in the workplace [3] Climate resilience investment in Germany's healthcare sector
- The recent rise in heat-related sick leave cases in Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Saarland underscores the need for employers to adopt community policy measures, such as implementing heat protection plans and acclimatization protocols, providing shaded rest areas, and ensuring access to hydration.
- In alignment with the German government's climate risk assessment mandates, employers should assess their climate risks and adapt work environments to be more heat-resilient, utilizing governmental guidelines and legal requirements.
- Employers in sectors with vulnerable workers, like construction, delivery, and care facilities, should consider specific policies, such as scheduling frequent breaks and providing appropriate protective gear, to minimize heat-related risks.
- Employees can contribute to their own health and well-being by following workplace-wellness practices, such as staying well-hydrated, taking regular breaks, wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, and reporting symptoms early.
