Extreme Heat Puts Garment Factory Workers at Risk: A Call for Adaptation

The garment industry, a significant contributor to the global economy, is facing a growing threat: extreme heat. A recent study by Cornell University's Global Labor Institute and Schroders highlights the severe risks that extreme heat poses to garment factory workers, particularly in key production hubs like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Vietnam. By 2030, these countries could lose $65 billion in apparel export earnings and 1 million jobs due to extreme heat and flooding. This article explores the economic implications, adaptation measures, and the role of international labor regulations in protecting garment workers from extreme heat.

Economic Implications

Extreme heat poses significant economic risks to the garment industry. Rising temperatures and flooding threaten productivity, with outdoor workers in sectors like construction and agriculture particularly vulnerable. Indoor workers in poorly ventilated factories also face risks, leading to heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and reduced output. To mitigate these impacts, companies should invest in cooling measures, higher wages, and health protections for workers, while brands and retailers must address these issues in their supply chains.

Adaptation Measures

Garment manufacturers and retailers can adapt to extreme heat by investing in cooling technologies, adjusting work schedules, and implementing heat stress management programs. Cooling technologies such as evaporative coolers and air conditioning can help reduce temperatures in factories, while adjusting work schedules to avoid peak heat hours can minimize worker exposure. Additionally, implementing heat stress management programs, including regular breaks, hydration, and training on heat stress symptoms, can help protect workers and maintain productivity.

International Labor Regulations and Corporate Social Responsibility

International labor regulations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives play a crucial role in protecting garment workers from extreme heat. The EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, for instance, makes retailers legally liable for conditions at their suppliers, including heat exposure. However, current regulations may not be sufficient, as only three retailers (Nike, Levi's, and VF Corp) have specific protocols to protect workers from heat exhaustion in their supplier codes of conduct. To improve this, brands should invest in cooling technologies, higher wages, and health protections for workers. Additionally, CSR initiatives should focus on worker empowerment, collective bargaining, and improved working conditions to mitigate heat risks.

In conclusion, extreme heat poses a significant threat to the garment industry and its workers. To mitigate these risks, companies and brands must invest in adaptation measures, and international labor regulations must be strengthened. By doing so, the industry can protect its workers, maintain productivity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the global apparel supply chain.