Companies urgently need to develop strategies to protect workers from excessive heat as average global temperatures continue to rise, according to a new study.

The report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers warns heat stress and dehydration can impair decision-making and increase risk-taking.

It calls calls for guidance related to heat impacts on the workforce to be updated urgently to help companies to develop strategies and implement the necessary changes.

For example, in the U.K. the Health and Safety Executive has set minimum workplace temperatures for the indoor workplace – at least 16 degrees Celsius – but does not have similar upper temperature limits.

The report argues if people feel too hot, they may be tempted not to wear personal protective equipment properly leading to greater safety risks.

Heat may also affect a worker’s ability to concentrate on a given task through decreased cognitive function, increasing the chances of errors and reducing productivity.

Dr Tim Fox, former chair of the Institution’s process industries division and lead author of the report, said in a statement the impacts of a warmer world on industry will be complex and broad.

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