Heat-related workplace accidents rose by 24% in Spain last year

THERE were a total of 199 workplace accidents that required time off in 2023 related to extreme heat or sunstroke, a 27% rise on the year before. 

What’s more, the number of accidents caused by extreme temperatures, sun and radiation went up by 18% over the same period, with 105 such incidents registered.

That’s according to figures released by Spanish labour union UGT, and which show that combined, the two different types of incident rose 24% compared to 2022. 

“Climate change is already here,” said the union, in comments reported by newspaper El Pais. “It is a reality that is already affecting working conditions.

The union cited extreme temperatures caused by heatwaves, the arrival of Saharan dust over the Iberian peninsula and even snowstorms such as Filomena, which hit parts of Spain back in 2021. 

“All of this is, without a doubt, affecting people who work outdoors,” UGT said.