Heat stress: a hidden business risk
Climate change is having a tangible impact on occupational safety. Industry studies show that construction workers are most at risk of heat related illness, due to the strenuous nature of the work, the use of safety equipment and tools and the high outdoor temperature they experience while working. Adding to that is the fact that the workforce in these industries can be seasonal or temporary and little to no regulations are present or enforced.
The International Labour Organization estimates that 80 million full time jobs globally will be lost by 2030 due to heat stress, costing an estimated $2.4 trillion annually. Another recent study found that heat stress can cause productivity losses of 29% to 41.3% on construction job sites.
The business case for heat stress monitoring is clear: employers need to understand better the impact of heat on their workforce in order to set in place proactive management. Doing so not only protects worker health and safety, but also safeguards productivity and helps projects stay on time and on budget.
Why compliance and measurement matter
Due to these risks, governments, industry association and not-for-profit organisations are pushing for greater regulatory standards and guidelines to help protect workers from heat-related dangers.
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not yet have a dedicated heat standard (as of 2025), but it enforces protection under the General Duty Clause, which requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognised hazards.
In Europe, while there is no single EU-wide law for heat exposure, heat risk falls under the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC under which employers must ensure worker safety. In addition, some countries such as Spain, France, Germany have specific temperature guidelines or work-rest rules for outdoor labour.
How Gill's MaxiMet GMX552 delivers hard data
MaxiMet GMX552 is the world’s first compact weather station to integrate heat stress measurement. Developed and built in accordance with ISO 7243-2017, it measures black globe temperature, wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, pressure and calculates Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) along with other key environmental parameters.
Designed for durability and minimal maintenance, MaxiMet GMX552 offers a long operational life and low upkeep costs. Its ability to operate on battery or solar power makes it ideal for demanding environments such as construction sites.
Crucially, MaxiMet GMX552 helps organisations demonstrate compliance with occupational safety guidelines by providing live, auditable data that supports health, safety, and sustainability reporting.
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. MaxiMet GMX552 puts safety and compliance on firm footing.
Resources
- International Labour Organization – Game Plan for Change: Advancing Decent Work Through the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- International Labour Organization – World Social Protection Report 2024-26
- Assessing Heat Stress and Health among Construction Workers in a Changing Climate: A Review
- Heat stress and productivity losses in urban construction workforces
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