How 2024 Changed the Rules for Managing Heat Stress at Work
Record-Breaking Heat Poses Serious Risks for Workers
- By Julianna Giordanella
- Feb 12, 2025
The relentless heatwaves of Summer 2024 shattered records globally and placed unprecedented pressure on workers and businesses alike. Across multiple regions, including the United States and Europe, extreme temperatures soared, making this summer the hottest on record. Phoenix, for instance, endured an astonishing 113 consecutive days at or above 100°F, exposing workers to dangerous conditions that demand serious, proactive management.
With approximately 23 million occupational injuries worldwide are attributed to excessive heat annually, and over 19,000 deaths occur as a result, the inarguable dangers of rising temperatures, increasing both the frequency and intensity of heat-related incidents, the consequences have been profound. Immediate risks, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, have been compounded by long-term impacts on cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal health for workers exposed to extreme heat. Alarmingly, this risk is only projected to grow by 2030, heat stress could cut 2.2% of global working hours, which would be equivalent to the output of 80 million full-time jobs., which would be equivalent to the output of 80 million full-time jobs.
In response, global organizations are now working to address the need for comprehensive heat safety protocols. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) took a major step forward in July 2024 by issuing a proposed rule for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention, setting standards that mandate employers assess and manage heat-related risks. Similarly, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) published the first national voluntary heat stress management standard, providing guidance for worker acclimatization, training, and protective strategies.
A Turning Point in Heat Stress Management
This past summer has reinforced the urgency for industries, especially sectors like construction and agriculture, to actively mitigate heat risks. The rising frequency of extreme heat days has forced many organizations to leverage advanced Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) tools. Using solutions like Cority’s occupational health software, businesses can streamline heat stress management efforts, from automating workflows for ambient heat monitoring to conducting real-time exposure assessments and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
The benefits of such technology are tangible. Software can allow organizations to create tailored heat stress management programs. By configuring workflows that issue automatic alerts when heat thresholds are surpassed, companies can initiate timely heat management measures, such as adjusting work schedules or providing additional hydration breaks. In high-risk situations, real-time exposure monitoring helps employers stay vigilant, comparing worker exposure levels to permissible limits and quickly intervening to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The Role of Data and Innovation in Managing Heat Stress
Heat stress management is not just about reacting to rising temperatures; it is about anticipating and addressing heat-related risks proactively. Technology plays a vital role here. For example, Cority’s recent introduction of an Industrial Hygiene (IH) Calculation Engine enables companies to handle complex heat stress calculations with greater precision, supporting compliance and ensuring worker safety. By integrating real-time data from wearable devices, organizations can continuously monitor core body temperatures and heart rates of workers, identifying early signs of heat stress and taking immediate action when needed.
The sophistication of these solutions also allows employers to consolidate data across sites, providing a holistic view of heat exposure risks. Through real-time dashboards, employers can pinpoint high-risk areas, prioritize interventions, and make data-driven decisions to protect employees and maintain productivity.
Engaging and Educating Employees for Safer Workplaces
Education and engagement are equally essential to effective heat stress management. For any heat safety program to succeed, employees—from front-line workers to executives—must understand the risks and recognize early symptoms of heat illness. Comprehensive training programs that cover acclimatization, first-aid procedures, and the dangers of certain medications in high-heat environments help workers stay vigilant.
Employers are adopting innovative solutions to engage employees in heat stress prevention. Mobile tools, for instance, enable workers to access training materials on the go, report heat-related incidents, and receive up-to-date heat exposure guidance. This level of engagement fosters a culture of safety, ensuring that all employees are well-equipped to handle extreme heat.
Preparing for the Future: Regulatory Momentum and Technological Advancements
As heat waves grow longer and more intense, the need for resilience in workplace safety is clearer than ever. Upcoming regulations from OSHA and further guidelines from ASSP will continue to drive industry standards, ensuring organizations prioritize heat safety. Globally, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is also expected to promote stricter heat stress guidelines, recognizing climate-induced risks to worker safety as a critical issue.
To stay ahead of these evolving challenges, companies should adopt comprehensive EHS software solutions that facilitate real-time monitoring, accurate risk assessment, and seamless compliance tracking.
The lessons from 2024 are clear: as temperatures rise, so must our commitment to protecting workers. Organizations must take a proactive stance, leveraging technology and data to build resilient, safe workplaces where workers are not only protected but prepared.