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Australia
News release
From:
Heatwaves – deadliest natural hazard that comes at a cost
The true cost of heatwaves. Extreme heat is considered a high-risk event with significant impacts on health and wellbeing and productivity including infrastructure failures.
Research shows heatwaves are our deadliest natural hazard. They kill more Australians than all other natural hazards combined and disproportionately affect people over 65, young children, those with existing health conditions—but the reality is heat impacts all of us. It drives spikes in hospitalisations, affects sleep, mental health, concentration, and forces people to change how they work and live.
Not only are they deadly, but they also cost our economy many millions nationally every year. They impact our agriculture, result in health costs (direct and indirect), disrupt businesses during blackouts and cause losses in productivity and absenteeism in the workforce.
This week’s high temperatures highlight the importance of robust workplace health and safety plans—and the often‑overlooked economic impacts, such as reduced productivity and absenteeism, that compound the national cost of heat. Businesses should be prepared for disruption during extreme heat days and support their customers and employees.
In a study conducted by Natural Hazards Research Australia following a heatwave in February 2017, of the residents who received a warning, 64% prepared for the heatwave, primarily through rescheduling activities.
Businesses similarly prepared by rescheduling or modifying work activities, and by providing advice to employees. Business also experienced disruptions differently during the heatwave - 38% of businesses that use machinery or require physical labour reported higher absenteeism, as did 35% of businesses in the retail and dining sector.
More than half of medium-sized businesses studied reported experiencing higher than normal absenteeism during the heatwave, while large businesses indicated that they had either normal or lower than normal absenteeism.
Our research highlights that the increasing frequency of heatwaves demands better preparedness and urban design to reduce future health and economic costs.
Andrew Gissing, CEO Natural Hazards Research Australia
