The climate crisis is already affecting the work environment today - how effective are the measures to protect workers?

While public discussions about the climate crisis often focus on energy grids, water systems, and national infrastructure, the direct impact on workers is frequently overlooked. During extreme heatwaves, such as the record-breaking heatwave in Israel in recent summers, rising temperatures affect employees on a daily basis, raising critical questions about whether current protective measures are truly effective.   

A survey conducted by the Arlosoroff Forum and the Macro Center among hundreds of respondents across various economic sectors reveals critical insights. The impact is already felt on the ground, with one in six workers reporting that climate change significantly impacts their daily work environment. Interestingly, managers report feeling this impact at higher rates than non-management staff.   

Furthermore, heat exposure is not limited to traditional field jobs. While exposure is highest in transportation and industry, sectors like hospitality, food service, and entertainment also report severe climate impact as workers continuously move between air-conditioned indoors and hot outdoor spaces. Overall, nearly two out of every five workers in Israel are exposed to extreme heat for prolonged hours during their workday.   

Despite these challenges, a significant effectiveness gap remains. Although a majority of heat-exposed workers report that their employers took protective steps such as providing cold water, fans, or shaded areas, less than half believe these measures actually improved their health and safety. The core issue behind this gap is a lack of structured policy, as only a small fraction of employees report having formal workplace guidelines or protocols for extreme heatwaves.   

To protect workers effectively in upcoming summers, safety cannot depend on individual manager discretion alone. A collaborative round table bringing together employer organizations, regulators, and labor unions is necessary to establish binding, practical heat safety protocols across all industries.   

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