The Jobs Most Exposed to Extreme Heat — and Why It Matters for Europe’s Economy
The jobs most exposed to extreme – Extreme heat is rapidly becoming a major occupational hazard in Europe, with approximately 20% of workers encountering elevated temperatures at their workplaces, as reported by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). This trend underscores the growing threat climate change poses to labor conditions and economic productivity across the continent. The sectors most affected by this risk include agriculture, construction, transport, manufacturing, emergency services, and tourism, where workers face heightened health and efficiency challenges during increasingly frequent heatwaves.
Heat Exposure Across Key Sectors
Among these, agriculture stands out as the industry most directly impacted by extreme heat. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), farm workers often endure prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, combined with physically strenuous tasks that elevate body temperatures. This dual strain increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. Similarly, construction workers are at significant risk, as they spend extended periods outdoors performing heavy labor while wearing protective gear that restricts their ability to dissipate heat effectively.
Industry-wide data from Eurofound’s 2024 European Working Conditions Survey reveals that 68% of agricultural laborers and 52% of construction workers experience high temperatures for at least a quarter of their workday. Exposure is also prevalent in industrial settings (33%) and transportation (33%). The survey highlights a notable increase in heat exposure over the past three decades, with the proportion of workers enduring high temperatures for 25% to 75% of their time rising from 13% in 1995 to 21% in 2024. This shift signals a broader transformation in the nature of workplace risks, driven by climate change and evolving labor demands.
Occupational Exposure Patterns
Heat exposure varies not only by sector but also by the type of occupation. Eurofound’s findings indicate that skilled agricultural workers are the most vulnerable, with 72% reporting consistent exposure to high temperatures. This is followed by craft workers (53%), plant and machine operators (42%), and elementary occupation holders (40%). In contrast, service and sales workers exhibit lower levels of heat exposure, with managers, professionals, and clerical staff reporting the least risk. These differences reflect the physical demands and working conditions inherent to specific roles.
Gender also plays a role in heat vulnerability. Men are more likely to be exposed to high temperatures, with 34% reporting at least 25% of their workday in heat-affected environments, compared to 18% of women. This disparity persists because many high-risk occupations remain male-dominated, such as construction and agriculture. Women, on the other hand, are overrepresented in roles with less direct exposure to extreme heat, such as administrative or office-based positions.
Broader Economic Impacts
The effects of extreme heat extend beyond individual health, influencing economic performance across multiple industries. In manufacturing, for instance, rising temperatures drive up cooling costs and reduce worker productivity. Transport networks face disruptions as asphalt roads soften and rail tracks expand or buckle during heatwaves, causing delays and increasing maintenance needs. Meanwhile, electricity grids experience heightened stress, as demand for cooling surges just as traditional power plants—relying on rivers for heat dissipation—become less efficient due to warmer water temperatures.
Heat also exacerbates challenges in sectors reliant on natural resources. Agriculture remains particularly susceptible, with crops and livestock enduring prolonged periods of elevated temperatures and drought. This can lead to reduced harvests and higher food prices, creating ripple effects throughout supply chains. For example, in countries like Greece, where agriculture accounts for over 3% of GDP, the sector’s vulnerability is more pronounced than in nations where it contributes only 1.2% to the overall economic output.
Health and Safety Concerns
“Once temperatures exceed roughly 30°C, productivity losses accelerate sharply and become a structural drag on economic growth rather than a temporary weather-related disruption,” says a recent report by Allianz Trade. This observation emphasizes how heat exposure can no longer be considered an isolated incident but a persistent factor affecting long-term economic stability.
Heat-related illnesses pose serious health risks, including cardiovascular and respiratory complications. Workers in high-risk occupations, such as emergency responders, often face the most dangerous conditions. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, for instance, may have to operate in sweltering environments while tackling heat-related emergencies, from wildfires to heatstroke cases. These scenarios illustrate the complex interplay between climate change and labor safety, requiring adaptive strategies to mitigate risks.
Additionally, the rise in extreme heat has created new challenges for sectors not traditionally associated with high temperatures. For example, urban heat islands—areas where concrete and asphalt retain more heat than surrounding regions—have intensified the risks for construction workers and others operating in densely built environments. Meanwhile, agricultural workers also contend with rising threats from tick-borne diseases, allergens, and air pollution, which become more prevalent under heat-stressed conditions.
The economic implications of heat exposure are far-reaching. Beyond direct impacts on productivity, heatwaves can disrupt entire industries by reducing output and increasing operational costs. In manufacturing, for example, higher temperatures necessitate additional energy use for cooling, which strains resources and raises expenses. Similarly, transport delays caused by heat-induced infrastructure changes can ripple through logistics and supply chains, affecting sectors from retail to manufacturing.
As climate change continues to intensify, the need for targeted interventions becomes urgent. Strengthening labor protections, improving workplace conditions, and investing in climate-adaptive technologies are critical steps to safeguard workers and maintain economic resilience. The data from EU-OSHA and Eurofound not only highlights the scale of the problem but also provides a roadmap for addressing it. By understanding which jobs and regions are most at risk, policymakers and employers can develop strategies to minimize the economic and social consequences of extreme heat.
