Across the globe, countries have been witnessing record-breaking high temperatures in recent weeks. Back in Trinidad and Tobago, the nation is currently under a yellow-level hot spell alert, creating unbearable conditions in some workplaces. Her Honour, Deborah Thomas-Felix, the President of the Industrial Court, is cautioning employers about this issue.
The employees most at risk are those who work outdoors or in inadequately ventilated buildings. Thomas-Felix warned that if workers continue to be forced to work in conditions that expose them to heat stress, the consequences will be detrimental to both economic and social security.
To mitigate the risks of heat stress, Thomas-Felix recommended making adjustments to working environments. Additionally, she encouraged employers to incorporate clauses for training on mitigating heat stress in their collective agreements, along with establishing a structure for remote work.
The President of the Industrial Court also urged the government to prioritize climate change as their top concern. She explained that human security is dependent on economic security, which is currently under threat due to the impacts of climate change. She believes that without a healthy and protected population from the risks of heat stress, achieving economic growth and development is unattainable.
