Protecting NRW residents from heatwave risks is imminent.

Protecting NRW residents from heatwave risks is imminent.

As the climate crisis continues to escalate, Germany is bracing itself for a series of extreme weather events, including floods and heatwaves, during the coming summer months. These weather conditions are expected to significantly impact people's daily lives, particularly the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and workers in outdoor manual labour.

In response to this impending challenge, several proposed solutions aim to protect workers from health risks caused by extreme heat and UV radiation.

## Proposed Solutions

1. **Adjusting Work Hours**: The Greens have called for employers to take measures to protect employees' health when workplace temperatures reach or exceed 26 degrees Celsius. This includes reducing working hours when temperatures exceed 26 degrees, halving them when they exceed 30 degrees, and stopping work if temperatures surpass 35 degrees Celsius.

2. **Heat Protection Measures**: The Left Party has suggested employers implement specific heat protection measures, such as cutting working hours or providing shade for outdoor workers, to prevent heat-related health issues.

3. **Awareness and Information**: The Health Ministry emphasizes the role of state and local authorities in informing the public about heat risks. Resources like hitzeservice.de provide guidance, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with health issues.

4. **General Recommendations**: Individuals are advised to stay hydrated, seek shade, and use cooling aids like fans to mitigate the effects of heat. These practices can be encouraged in workplaces to help protect workers from heat-related illnesses.

## Challenges and Considerations

The rising number of sick days due to heat-related health problems highlights the need for more effective workplace measures. In 2023, there was a notable increase in sick days related to extreme heat, with men being more affected due to their higher representation in outdoor manual labor.

The trend of earlier and more frequent heatwaves in Germany, attributed to climate change, necessitates proactive measures to protect workers and public health. A first step in this direction, according to SPD state parliamentarian Sonja Bongers, would be to support the model heat protection plan for hospitals and nursing homes presented by the Federal Ministry of Health in NRW.

Bongers also emphasizes the need for more protection against the climate crisis and its consequences. UV radiation poses significant health risks during extreme heatwaves, with the number of skin cancer cases having increased by 75 percent in the past 20 years.

To address this issue, the SPD proposes a skin cancer screening, similar to other cancer screening examinations. All actors, including companies, should be brought to the table for this initiative. Companies should be motivated to participate in skin cancer screening campaigns for their employees within the framework of occupational medical prevention.

However, many offices lack air conditioners, making work conditions difficult during extreme heat. This underscores the need for broader infrastructure updates to ensure workers' safety and health during summer months. Bongers urges the state government to take measures to make the coming months more bearable for working people in NRW.

1. To mitigate the health risks associated with climate change, the SPD proposes a skin cancer screening for all workers, similar to other cancer screening examinations, as the number of skin cancer cases has risen by 75 percent over the past 20 years.
2. As the frequency and severity of heatwaves increase due to climate change, it's crucial for companies to participate in skin cancer screening campaigns for employees within the framework of occupational medical prevention.
3. The lack of air conditioning in many offices during extreme heat highlights the importance of broader infrastructure updates to ensure workers' safety and health during the summer months.
4. Environmental science and skin care are intertwined, as increasing UV radiation during extreme heatwaves, driven by climate change, can lead to a variety of skin conditions.

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