2024-11-01 16:00:00
On June 26, 2023, the heat crushes Orgon, a town in the Bouches-du-Rhône. That day in the department the temperature rose to 36°C. However, nothing unusual this time of year. Météo-France has not issued a heat wave warning. On the road to Avignon, to the west of the town, workers are busy on the construction site of a residence with forty-six residential units.
Among these, Joao Manuel C., 47 years old. This formworker started his day at 7:30 am, then took a break between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Did you take the opportunity to cool off in the air-conditioned living center where cold drinks are available? At 1pm there he was again putting scrap metal on the floor. At 2.30pm Joao Manuel C. does not feel well. Alerted, the site manager discovered him unconscious on the ground and called the firefighters, who arrived on site a quarter of an hour later. At 4.50pm the worker was pronounced dead.
The labor inspectorate arrived on site shortly afterwards to ascertain the circumstances of the accident. His findings will reach the Labor Medical Inspection Service (IMT) which, a few months later, will register this death as “heat related”. Joao Manuel C. is therefore one of eleven people officially killed by exposure to excessive heat in the workplace in 2023.
Based on the IMT reports, the Directorate General of Labor (DGT) produces a national report every year, which is then published by the French public health agency. The world has had access to all reports detailing the circumstances of each incident from the first report drawn up in 2018 until the end of summer 2023 – the latest data available so far.
Construction, the sector most prone to accidents
In six years, between 1 June 2018 and 15 September 2023, at least forty-eight workers were victims of a heat-related fatal accident – a figure probably underestimated, according to Public Health France itself. These cases represent only a marginal fraction of the approximately 700 fatal accidents at work recorded every year, but their share increases during the summer period: ten of the one hundred and twelve fatal accidents recorded between June and September 2019 were, for example, related to the heat, i.e. the 9%. Furthermore, this occupational risk is likely to become increasingly important with global warming, causing an increase in extreme weather episodes, likely to increase the risk of heat-related illnesses in the workplace, whether fatal or not.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Elena Torres, an expert in occupational health and safety. We’re here to discuss a tragic case that occurred recently in Orgons, France, where a construction worker died due to extreme heat conditions on site. Could you start by explaining the risks associated with working in such extreme temperatures?
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. The case in Orgons highlights a serious concern regarding occupational hazards in hot weather. Workers exposed to high temperatures, especially in strenuous jobs like construction, face significant risks, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions can develop quickly and, if untreated, can lead to severe health consequences or even death, as we tragically saw in this case.
Time.news Editor: It’s alarming that this occurred on a day when Météo-France didn’t issue a heat wave warning. How does the absence of a warning impact worker safety?
Dr. Torres: The absence of an official warning can lead to a false sense of security. Employers might underestimate the risks and fail to implement necessary precautions, like providing adequate breaks in cooler environments and hydrating options. This highlights the importance of having established protocols that prioritize worker safety, rather than solely relying on weather alerts.
Time.news Editor: In your opinion, what should be the minimum standards for workers during heat conditions?
Dr. Torres: Ideally, every work site should have policies in place when temperatures rise. This includes mandatory hydration breaks, access to shaded or air-conditioned areas, and potential adjustments to work hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, workers should undergo training to recognize the early signs of heat-related illnesses, enabling them to protect themselves and their colleagues.
Time.news Editor: The incident led to an investigation from the labor inspectorate. What role do such investigations play in preventing future tragedies?
Dr. Torres: Investigations are crucial as they help identify systemic failures in safety protocols and practices that may have contributed to the incident. They can uncover factors like inadequate hydration access, insufficient breaks, and the absence of workplace temperature monitoring. Ultimately, the findings can lead to stronger regulations and enforcement, prompting employers to prioritize worker safety more conscientiously.
Time.news Editor: Given that this was an isolated incident amidst a season of rising temperatures, do you think such occurrences could become more frequent as climate change progresses?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. As global temperatures rise, we are likely to see an increase in heat-related illnesses and fatalities in the workforce. It’s imperative that industries adapt to these changes by implementing robust heat safety programs now, rather than waiting for another tragedy to occur. Prevention starts with awareness, both at the worker and employer levels.
Time.news Editor: What can individual workers do to protect themselves when working in such conditions?
Dr. Torres: Workers should advocate for their own safety by speaking up about unsafe conditions. They should also ensure they hydrate regularly, take breaks, wear appropriate clothing, and watch out for their colleagues. Building a culture of safety and support on-site can significantly reduce risks associated with extreme heat.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights. It’s clear that a collaborative effort is necessary to enhance safety standards in the face of rising temperatures and protect the lives of workers.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for shedding light on this crucial issue. It’s a collective responsibility, and through open dialogue and action, we can save lives.
