India: Study of conditions for Tamil Nadu salt-pan workers highlights occupational risks incl. heat stress & inadequate access to healthcare
"Rising heat stress poses grave occupational health risks for workers, study finds,"
As global temperatures continue to soar due to anthropogenic climate change, a new study has highlighted the alarming consequences of heat stress on outdoor workers. The research, published in Kidney International Reports, was conducted among salt pan workers in Tamil Nadu, India, and reveals the urgent need for adaptation strategies and improved health care access to protect vulnerable individuals.
Between 2017 and 2020, 352 workers were studied in seven salt pans in Tamil Nadu. The workload for different job roles and classified heat stress levels were evaluated. Key indicators such as pre- and post-shift heart rates, Core Body Temperatures, urine characteristics, sweat rates, and kidney function parameters were measured.
The study found that every participant had either a heavy or moderate workload, and an alarmingly close to 90% of workers were found to be working above the recommended limits of heat exposure. International regulations advise implementing regular break periods under such circumstances, but none of the salt pans examined had such breaks in place...
We have compelling evidence that heat stress poses significant health risks for these workers. Urgent action is needed to implement adaptation strategies and improve health care, sanitation access and welfare facilities to protect the vulnerable individuals. Failure to address this issue will result in increased heat-related illnesses, particularly chronic kidney diseases, worsened by pre-existing medical conditions, and potentially devastating health consequences for workers around the world.Vidhya Venugopal, professor of occupational and environmental health, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
...
The study underscores the fact that these workers, experience prolonged exposure to high temperatures without sufficient access to adaptation strategies such as shade, rehydration, and rest breaks. Furthermore, many are hesitant to report symptoms of heat stress due to fear of job loss or retaliation. The risk is further magnified for undocumented workers who lack access to health care...