Latest news with #WetBulbGlobeTemperature
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Japan firms to face fines if they fail to protect workers from heat waves
By Shoko Oda, Yui Hasebe and Aaron Clark Tougher rules being enforced in Japan will see employers fined if they fail to take adequate precautions to protect workers from extreme temperatures. The revised legislation, which came into effect June 1, is a rare global example of a national-level policy on heat safety for employees, and comes after 30 workplace deaths and roughly 1,200 injuries last year associated with high temperatures, according to health ministry data. Most of those affected worked in construction or manufacturing. Japan's government moved to strengthen protections following last summer's searing heat — which included the highest July temperatures on record, the ministry said in a statement. Businesses will face potential penalties including fines of 500,000 yen ($3,475) if provisions aren't sufficient. Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by dangerously high body temperature that can result in severe organ damage if not treated quickly. There were almost half a million heat-related deaths annually between 2000 and 2019, according to a report last year by the World Health Organization. Along with public health impacts, higher temperatures can impact worker productivity and there's growing concern about the economic toll that heat waves have on economies. Global average temperatures exceeded 1.5C degrees above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024 and new highs are forecast to be recorded over the next five years, according the World Meteorological Organization. Japan's legislation requires employers to implement protocols to quickly spot and aid workers showing symptoms of heatstroke. Policies encourage companies to use a buddy system at work sites, distribute wearable devices to monitor staff, and provide emergency transportation to hospitals or clinics. Employers are urged to monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index, a gauge of heat stress in direct sunlight that takes into account factors like temperature and humidity. Specific measures are required for work sites where the index value exceeds 28C or an atmospheric temperature of 31C for more than one hour, or for a total of four hours or more in a single day. A worker performing moderate work intensity loses half of their work capacity at 33C to 34C (91F-93F), according to a 2019 study from the International Labor Organization. The same report estimated the economic impact of heat stress by 2030 at $2.4 trillion if greenhouse gas emissions aren't cut. 'We are working on measures such as taking breaks according to the heat index and measuring internal body temperature using wearable devices,' said a spokesperson for Shimizu Corp., one of the nation's largest general contractors, which employs more than 20,000 people. The company said it is constantly updating its heatstroke policies. Parcel delivery service Yamato Transport Co. plans to distribute 75,000 fan-equipped vests to workers, including those who use carts and bicycles to drop off packages. It's also installing 3,000 wet bulb index measuring devices at business locations to better track working conditions. The measures are not in response to the new law, the company said. California and Washington are among US states to have developed similar rules on worker protections, and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed setting a federal standard. There were an average 40 recorded fatalities a year in the US related to environmental heat between 2011 and 2020, according to the Department of Labor.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Protect workers from heat waves or face fines, Japan tells firms
TOKYO - Tougher rules being enforced in Japan will see employers fined if they fail to take adequate precautions to protect workers from extreme temperatures. The revised legislation, which came into effect on June 1, is a rare global example of a national-level policy on heat safety for employees, and comes after 30 workplace deaths and roughly 1,200 injuries last year associated with high temperatures, according to health ministry data. Most of those affected worked in construction or manufacturing. Japan's government moved to strengthen protections following last summer's searing heat – which included the highest July temperatures on record, the ministry said in a statement. Businesses will face potential penalties including fines of ¥500,000 (S$4,500) if provisions are not sufficient. Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by dangerously high body temperature that can result in severe organ damage if not treated quickly. There were almost half a million heat-related deaths annually between 2000 and 2019, according to a report last year by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Along with public health impacts, higher temperatures can impact worker productivity and there's growing concern about the economic toll that heat waves have on economies. Global average temperatures exceeded 1.5 deg C above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024 and new highs are forecast to be recorded over the next five years, according the World Meteorological Organisation. Japan's legislation requires employers to implement protocols to quickly spot and aid workers showing symptoms of heatstroke. Policies encourage companies to use a buddy system at work sites, distribute wearable devices to monitor staff, and provide emergency transportation to hospitals or clinics. Employers are urged to monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index, a gauge of heat stress in direct sunlight that takes into account factors like temperature and humidity. Specific measures are required for work sites where the index value exceeds 28 deg C or an atmospheric temperature of 31 deg C for more than one hour, or for a total of four hours or more in a single day. A worker performing moderate work intensity loses half of their work capacity at 33 deg C to 34 deg C, according to a 2019 study from the International Labour Organisation. The same report estimated the economic impact of heat stress by 2030 at US$2.4 trillion (S$3.1 trillion) if greenhouse gas emissions aren't cut. 'We are working on measures such as taking breaks according to the heat index and measuring internal body temperature using wearable devices,' said a spokesperson for Shimizu Corp, one of the nation's largest general contractors, which employs more than 20,000 people. The company said it is constantly updating its heatstroke policies. Parcel delivery service Yamato Transport Company plans to distribute 75,000 fan-equipped vests to workers, including those who use carts and bicycles to drop off packages. It is also installing 3,000 wet bulb index measuring devices at business locations to better track working conditions. The measures are not in response to the new law, the company said. California and Washington are among US states to have developed similar rules on worker protections, and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed setting a federal standard. There were an average 40 recorded fatalities a year in the US related to environmental heat between 2011 and 2020, according to the Department of Labor. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zelus Launches B2B Heat Safety System for Corporate Clients and Larger Organizations
Columbia, MO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- , a performance technology leader, today announced the launch of its new Heat Safety B2B system designed specifically for corporate clients and larger organizations. Built to support enterprise-scale operations, the platform equips organizations with tools to proactively manage environmental hazards and prioritize heat safety in real Environmental Safety Redefined The Zelus system safeguards athletes, outdoor workers, and warfighters from environmental threats such as heat stroke, lightning, and poor air quality. By blending cutting-edge technology with an intuitive, user-friendly interface, Zelus redefines how organizations approach risk management and operational safety. 'Larger organizations face complex, real-time challenges when it comes to employee safety and environmental awareness,' said Scott Schultz, MD, CEO of Zelus. 'Our new B2B system delivers enterprise-level reliability with tools that organizations can trust in high-stakes environments.' Engineered to eliminate barriers to deployment, the Zelus system operates without the need for additional hardware. Its mobile-first platform delivers live updates and automated alerts directly to the user interface, enabling rapid response and compliance with evolving safety standards. Key Features of the new B2B Heat Safety System Include: WBGT Readings: Provides Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitoring to track heat stress and inform safe outdoor activity thresholds. Lightning Alerts: Delivers real-time lightning strike detection and alerts, enabling rapid decision-making for outdoor operations and events. WBGT Alerts: Enables automated alerting when WBGT thresholds are breached, enhancing compliance with safety standards. Risk Management Dashboard: Offers centralized tools for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating environmental risks across facilities or campuses. Designed for scale, the system can be deployed across multi-site organizations and integrates with existing safety protocols, HR systems, and compliance frameworks. From military units to construction firms and global enterprises, Zelus empowers teams to protect their people and maintain operations—without compromise. 'We built this system to give large organizations a proactive edge in managing environmental conditions,' Schultz added. 'It's about empowering corporate teams with live data to protect their people and streamline decision-making.' The B2B system is now available to qualifying enterprise clients. To learn more, watch the video overview at or visit Environmental Safety RedefinedAbout Zelus The Zelus system safeguards athletes, outdoor workers, and warfighters from environmental hazards such as heat stroke, lightning, and poor air quality. Zelus is a groundbreaking solution that blends cutting-edge technology with an intuitive, user-friendly design to revolutionize environmental safety. Featuring an innovative app interface, Zelus delivers accurate Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings, real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) updates, and lightning strike alerts—all without the need for additional hardware. This state-of-the-art system streamlines compliance and prioritizes the safety of individuals exposed to outdoor risks, making it a vital resource for organizations committed to proactive risk management. Zelus is redefining the standard for environmental safety. Press inquiries Zelus Scott Schultz info@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zelus Launches B2B Heat Safety System for Corporate Clients and Larger Organizations
Columbia, MO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- , a performance technology leader, today announced the launch of its new Heat Safety B2B system designed specifically for corporate clients and larger organizations. Built to support enterprise-scale operations, the platform equips organizations with tools to proactively manage environmental hazards and prioritize heat safety in real Environmental Safety Redefined The Zelus system safeguards athletes, outdoor workers, and warfighters from environmental threats such as heat stroke, lightning, and poor air quality. By blending cutting-edge technology with an intuitive, user-friendly interface, Zelus redefines how organizations approach risk management and operational safety. 'Larger organizations face complex, real-time challenges when it comes to employee safety and environmental awareness,' said Scott Schultz, MD, CEO of Zelus. 'Our new B2B system delivers enterprise-level reliability with tools that organizations can trust in high-stakes environments.' Engineered to eliminate barriers to deployment, the Zelus system operates without the need for additional hardware. Its mobile-first platform delivers live updates and automated alerts directly to the user interface, enabling rapid response and compliance with evolving safety standards. Key Features of the new B2B Heat Safety System Include: WBGT Readings: Provides Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitoring to track heat stress and inform safe outdoor activity thresholds. Lightning Alerts: Delivers real-time lightning strike detection and alerts, enabling rapid decision-making for outdoor operations and events. WBGT Alerts: Enables automated alerting when WBGT thresholds are breached, enhancing compliance with safety standards. Risk Management Dashboard: Offers centralized tools for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating environmental risks across facilities or campuses. Designed for scale, the system can be deployed across multi-site organizations and integrates with existing safety protocols, HR systems, and compliance frameworks. From military units to construction firms and global enterprises, Zelus empowers teams to protect their people and maintain operations—without compromise. 'We built this system to give large organizations a proactive edge in managing environmental conditions,' Schultz added. 'It's about empowering corporate teams with live data to protect their people and streamline decision-making.' The B2B system is now available to qualifying enterprise clients. To learn more, watch the video overview at or visit Environmental Safety RedefinedAbout Zelus The Zelus system safeguards athletes, outdoor workers, and warfighters from environmental hazards such as heat stroke, lightning, and poor air quality. Zelus is a groundbreaking solution that blends cutting-edge technology with an intuitive, user-friendly design to revolutionize environmental safety. Featuring an innovative app interface, Zelus delivers accurate Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings, real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) updates, and lightning strike alerts—all without the need for additional hardware. This state-of-the-art system streamlines compliance and prioritizes the safety of individuals exposed to outdoor risks, making it a vital resource for organizations committed to proactive risk management. Zelus is redefining the standard for environmental safety. Press inquiries Zelus Scott Schultz info@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Kanimozhi urges Union government to revise heatwave definition to reflect growing climate challenges
Member of Parliament Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has called upon the Union Government to revise India's official definition of heatwaves to reflect growing climate challenges. In a letter addressed to Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Ms. Kanimozhi urged the Ministry to incorporate humidity levels and rising night-time temperatures into the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) criteria for declaring heatwaves. The appeal comes amid intensifying heat conditions across several parts of the country, with 2024 recording unprecedented temperature anomalies. She highlighted that October 2024 was the hottest in 123 years, registering a temperature anomaly of +1.23°C. The year also saw the highest annual minimum temperature anomaly since 1901, at +0.90°C, indicating dangerously warm nights that impact public health. The current IMD guidelines, the letter noted, rely primarily on air temperature thresholds and fail to account for the compounded impact of high humidity, which significantly worsens the human experience of heat. In her letter, the MP highlighted the need to use composite indices, such as the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature or the Heat Index, which offer a more accurate measure of thermal stress by factoring in humidity alongside temperature. She explained that in humid coastal areas, like in Tamil Nadu, even moderate temperatures can feel oppressive and pose severe health risks. For instance, a temperature of 35°C with 80% humidity can feel as intense as 50°C in drier regions, she noted. Citing World Health Organisation recommendations, Ms. Kanimozhi stressed that ambient temperatures above 24°C at night can impair cognitive functioning and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. In addition to revising heatwave definitions and incorporating humidity and nighttime thresholds, the MP called for including region-specific criteria that consider local climatic conditions, especially in coastal zones. She also urged the government to initiate public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the risks posed by heat and humidity and to promote precautionary measures.
