Inadequate Protection for Informal Workers from Extreme Heat

JOHANNESBURG/WASHINGTON, DC – The ongoing climate crisis is increasingly jeopardizing the health and livelihoods of the world’s two billion informal workers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where informal employment constitutes about 90% of the workforce. As heat waves intensify, the lack of global occupational safety and health (OSH) protections leaves these workers vulnerable to extreme temperatures, with research indicating significant health risks and reduced productivity. A study by Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) revealed that 85% of waste pickers in Brazil suffered from heat stress in recent years. In urban centers like Delhi, where temperatures soared above 50° Celsius, the tragic death of a laborer prompted local authorities to implement new guidelines aimed at improving working conditions, including adjusted hours and better access to drinking water. The World Health Organization has highlighted the severe consequences of extreme heat on informal workers, including heightened risks of skin cancer. Many workers resort to personal measures, such as purchasing their own water and using umbrellas, to cope with the heat, as noted by Yuleina Carmona from WIEGO. Despite the pressing need for protective measures, coordination between municipal and national labor authorities remains inadequate. Establishing global standards is essential, but these must translate into actionable protections for informal workers facing rising temperatures. Initiatives in Zimbabwe and India demonstrate the potential for local solutions, such as public infrastructure investments and insurance programs, to mitigate risks. Without decisive action, the future of informal work will become increasingly perilous, leaving millions vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.