The increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events due to climate change is posing a significant risk to garment factory workers, particularly in countries where these workers are predominantly employed under challenging conditions. A recent study has shed light on the severe impact of high temperatures on workers’ health, safety, and productivity, and it calls for urgent action from both the industry and governments.

Key Findings from the Study

1. Health Risks:
   • Heat Stress: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat stress, which can manifest as heat exhaustion or, in extreme cases, heat stroke. These conditions can cause dizziness, fainting, nausea, and even organ failure if not addressed quickly.
   • Chronic Health Issues: Workers who are frequently exposed to high temperatures without adequate rest or hydration may develop long-term health problems, including kidney disease, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory problems. The study specifically highlighted a concerning rise in cases of chronic kidney disease in areas with high heat exposure.
   • Increased Risk of Accidents: Heat can impair mental and physical performance, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents and injuries. Workers might suffer from dehydration, fatigue, or reduced cognitive function, all of which heighten the chance of mishaps on factory floors.
2. Economic and Productivity Losses:
   • Reduced Efficiency: Extreme heat can lead to significant reductions in worker productivity. As workers slow down due to fatigue or heat stress, factories may experience delays, lower output, and increased absenteeism. In some cases, workers may need to take frequent breaks or even leave work early due to heat exhaustion, resulting in fewer hours worked.
   • Disruptions to Supply Chains: The combined effect of worker health issues and decreased productivity can disrupt garment production schedules, which, in turn, impacts global supply chains. Brands and retailers relying on timely deliveries may face delays, affecting their financial performance.
3. Vulnerable Populations:
   • Women and Migrant Workers: Women and migrant workers, who make up a large percentage of the garment industry workforce, are disproportionately affected by heat stress. These workers often lack access to adequate cooling systems, are more likely to be engaged in low-wage and precarious employment, and may not have the ability to demand better working conditions.
   • Informal and Subcontracted Workers: Many garment workers are employed informally or through subcontracting arrangements, which means they may not have access to the same workplace protections, including heat safety measures or air conditioning. This is particularly true in countries with weaker labor regulations or enforcement.
4. Climate Change as a Factor:
   • Rising Temperatures: The study noted that global warming is expected to increase the frequency of extreme heat events, with some regions becoming nearly uninhabitable for outdoor laborers in the coming decades. This will exacerbate the risks faced by garment workers, many of whom already work in poorly ventilated factories.
   • Geographic Disparities: Countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, where much of the global garment industry is concentrated, are already experiencing some of the most extreme heat conditions. These regions often lack the infrastructure to adequately address the health and safety of workers during heatwaves.

Calls for Action

The study advocates for several critical steps to protect garment workers from the effects of extreme heat:

1. Improved Workplace Safety Standards:
   • Cooling Measures: Garment factories should be required to implement cooling systems, such as air conditioning, fans, or misting systems, particularly in high-heat zones. Ensuring access to fresh water and shaded rest areas for workers is also essential.
   • Heat-Action Plans: Factories should develop and enforce heat action plans that include protocols for monitoring temperatures, providing rest breaks, and training workers on the signs of heat stress. Additionally, workers should have access to emergency medical care when needed.
2. Regulatory Action:
   • Stronger Labor Laws: Governments must strengthen labor laws to address heat-related risks and enforce strict standards on workplace temperature and conditions. This may include limits on the number of hours that workers can be exposed to extreme heat.
   • Climate Resilience in Industry Policy: Policy frameworks should focus on the adaptation of industries to climate change. This could involve providing incentives for factories to invest in cooling technologies or creating new international standards for worker safety in high-temperature environments.
3. Worker Rights and Empowerment:
   • Unionization and Advocacy: Encouraging and supporting labor unions or worker advocacy groups can help workers better negotiate for safer conditions, higher wages, and more protection from extreme heat. Workers should be empowered to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.
   • Corporate Responsibility: Apparel brands and retailers, many of whom are complicit in the low-wage and unsafe conditions in garment factories, must do more to ensure the safety of workers. This could include funding the implementation of safety measures and collaborating with local governments to address the broader challenges posed by climate change.

Conclusion

The impact of extreme heat on garment factory workers is a critical issue that requires immediate attention from governments, industry leaders, and labor organizations. As climate change accelerates, the risks posed by rising temperatures will only intensify. It is essential that systemic changes are made to protect the health and safety of workers, ensure sustainable production, and reduce the economic impact of heat-related disruptions in the garment industry. Through a combination of improved workplace conditions, regulatory action, and corporate accountability, the garment industry can begin to address this urgent issue and safeguard the welfare of its workers.