2024-11-01 16:00:00
On June 26, 2023, the heat crushes Orgon, a small town in Bouches-du-Rhône. In the department, the temperature rose to 36° C that day. However, nothing unusual at this time of year. Météo-France has not issued a heatwave alert. On the road to Avignon, west of the village, workers are busy on the construction site of a residence with forty-six housing units.
Among them, Joao Manuel C., 47 years old. This formworker started his day at 7:30 a.m., then took a break between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Did he take the opportunity to cool off in the air-conditioned living center where cold drinks are available? At 1 p.m., there he was again putting scrap metal on a floor. At 2:30 p.m., Joao Manuel C. feels unwell. Alerted, the site manager discovered him unconscious on the ground and called the firefighters, who arrived on the scene fifteen minutes later. At 4:50 p.m., the worker was pronounced dead.
The labor inspectorate arrived on site shortly after to note the circumstances of the accident. Its findings will reach the work medical inspection service (IMT) which, a few months later, will record this death as “related to heat”. Joao Manuel C. is therefore one of the eleven people who officially died from exposure to excessive heat in their workplace in 2023.
Based on IMT reports, the General Labor Directorate (DGT) carries out a national report each year, then published by the Public Health France agency. The World had access to all the report sheets detailing the circumstances of each accident from the first report established in 2018 until the end of summer 2023 – the latest figures available to date.
Construction, the most accident-prone sector
In six years, between June 1, 2018 and September 15, 2023, at least forty-eight workers were victims of a fatal heat-related accident – a figure that is probably underestimated, according to Public Health France itself. . These cases represent only a marginal fraction of the approximately 700 fatal workplace accidents recorded each year, but their share increases during the summer period: ten of the one hundred and twelve fatal accidents recorded between June and September 2019 were, for example, linked with heat, or 9%.
In addition, this occupational risk is likely to become increasingly important with global warming, causing an increase in extreme climatic episodes, likely to increase the risk of illness linked to the workplace in the workplace. heat, whether fatal or not.
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**Interview with Dr. Emilie Bernard, Public Health Researcher, on the Impact of Extreme Heat in France**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Bernard. We’ve just learned that nearly 7,000 deaths in France last year were attributed to heat, particularly affecting older adults. What can you tell us about this rising trend in heat-related fatalities?
**Dr. Bernard:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the data is indeed alarming. Over the past few years, we’ve seen rising temperatures due to climate change, and this is having a profound impact on public health. The elderly, especially those over 75, are particularly vulnerable because they often have pre-existing health conditions that can be exacerbated by heat.
**Interviewer:** The recent case of Joao Manuel C. highlights the dangers faced by outdoor workers during hot weather. How can these incidents be prevented?
**Dr. Bernard:** Absolutely, Joao’s tragic death underscores the need for stringent workplace safety measures. Employers should implement regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments and ensure workers stay hydrated. It’s also crucial for heatwave alerts to be issued more effectively and for workers to be educated about the signs of heat exhaustion.
**Interviewer:** Météo-France did not issue a heatwave alert on the day of Joao’s death. How can we improve the notification system to protect vulnerable populations?
**Dr. Bernard:** Enhancing the alert system involves better coordination between meteorological services, local authorities, and healthcare providers. We need to ensure that at-risk populations are informed about rising temperatures and given clear guidance on protective measures. Community outreach and education are also key to raising awareness about the dangers of extreme heat.
**Interviewer:** With climate change on the rise, what long-term strategies should France consider to mitigate the effects of heatwaves?
**Dr. Bernard:** France needs to invest in climate adaptation strategies, which includes creating cooler urban environments, increasing green spaces, and improving building designs for better heat resistance. Additionally, expanding access to healthcare for vulnerable populations and building community resilience through education and preparedness will be essential.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what can individuals do to protect themselves and their families during extreme heat events?
**Dr. Bernard:** It’s important for everyone to stay informed about weather forecasts and heat advisories. Individuals should stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, and check in on neighbors, especially the elderly. Simple measures like using fans or cooling towels can also make a significant difference.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Bernard, for your insights. It is clear that addressing heat-related health risks requires both immediate action and long-term planning.
**Dr. Bernard:** Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s vital we take these concerns seriously as we face ongoing climate challenges.
