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The Human Cost of Heat: Gig Workers in the Line of Fire
As climate change worsens, the human toll of extreme heat will make itself known as one of the most pervasive public health crises today, hitting hard on vulnerable populations above all. Among the worst hit groups in this crisis are gig workers, many of whom have no alternative but to spend several hours working outdoors under scorching conditions. A recent survey conducted by HeatWatch and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union in June 2024 has brought to the fore the challenges that such workers face in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The report came out when the country was going through one of the hottest heatwaves ever and had some startling facts: while 52% of the gig workers reported suffering from heat exhaustion, 30% suffered from heat strokes. The impacts are even more profound for women, many of whom have reportedly worsened menstrual cramps and increased UTIs as a result of the extreme heat.
This report could not be more timely. With India’s gig workers expected to rise significantly to 23.5 million by 2029-30, it is now more critical than ever to ensure that these workers are not dealt with as dispensable labor but as individuals whose health and well-being are intrinsic to the very functioning of urban economies. Now is the time to act by first addressing some of the structural problems that can exacerbate the effects of heat on these workers.
The Physical and Psychological Toll of Heatwaves on Gig Workers
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The physical cost of heatwaves to gig workers is undeniable, as 82% of workers surveyed reported heat-related illnesses, with the most common ailments being heat exhaustion and heat strokes. It had long-term implications for the health of the workers. But it also exposed some hitherto unknown but equally serious effects on women workers.
Of the 19 women interviewed, 13 reported that their menstrual symptoms had worsened, while 4 revealed UTIs, caused by heat stress and lack of access to clean toilets and water. The report went on to say that many workers are not only enduring physical stress but also psychological strain from extreme heat. Gig workers often work through unbearable heat without breaks due to fear of loss of income. And their problems are further exacerbated by a lack of rest areas in the shade or cooling facilities.
The sleeping pattern is yet another issue many workers have to contend with, as some work at night just to avoid the scorching midday sun. This nocturnal schedule brings its own set of problems—fatigue, irritability, and even increased risks of accidents. But when forced to choose between earning an income and health, the consequences can indeed be fatal. The mental toll of such a work culture, brought about by heat stress, is still left understudied, yet in very real need of immediate attention.
The Lack of Infrastructure and Support for Heat-Affected Workers
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The infrastructure made available to gig workers remains highly inadequate to deal with extreme heat. More than 65% of workers who responded to the survey by TGPWU identified a grave lack of access to safe drinking water and toilets. Many workers said they had to buy water all day or look for shade beneath trees to get some short relief from the heat.
Even when they are available, public washrooms are frequently closed or out of order, making workers resort to open defecation—an undignified and dangerous practice. Furthermore, the platform companies, which could very easily play an important role in supporting their workers, so far have not stepped up. There are no cooling stations or access to first-aid for heat-related symptoms, and fewer than half of those workers surveyed got a medical diagnosis for their heat-related ailments.
Even worse, these platform companies do not offer flexible work hours or paid sick time, which binds workers to the necessity of powering through their shifts at the expense of their health. The findings emphasize the need for infrastructure changes physically and company policies to protect workers against extreme heat risks.
Policy Recommendations and Worker Demands
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The report made several urgent recommendations to be put in place so that the gig workers were protected from extreme heat: above all, it has appealed for declaring heatwaves as a notified disaster under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005. This will enable the authorities to make arrangements and deploy resources and support to the victims of heatwave, more so the more vulnerable gig workers.
The report also recommends that municipal authorities make available clean drinking water, rehydration solutions, and hygienic toilets at strategic locations within the city, particularly around places where large numbers of gig workers can be found, such as at airports, markets, and transport hubs.
One other key area that is being prioritized is setting limits on working hours during the hottest parts of the day. They demanded the right to compulsory breaks between noon and 3 pm when excessive temperatures prevail and compensation against the loss of earnings due to such breaks.
This alone can go a long way in saving the workers from the hazards of heat while protecting their sources of livelihood. Secondly, providing heat awareness training, protective gear such as light-colored, loose, breathable cloth uniforms, and extreme weather conditions warning systems, should be made mandatory for the platform companies. If these protections are not in place, the brunt of the climate crisis will continue to rest on gig workers alone, at the expense of their health and well-being.
The crisis in the climate may be inevitable, but gig workers’ suffering is not. Policymakers, platform companies, and society as a whole must offer protection to the most vulnerable members of our workforce. Extreme heat is here to stay, but it doesn’t mean its impact on workers has to remain unaddressed. The time is now.
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