Named the AAFA Guide to Protecting Workers from Heat Stress, the document sets out “practical and actionable” recommendations intended for use across supply chains.

These recommendations will support the implementation of policies and procedures to mitigate and prevent excessive heat exposure, following growing concerns over rising global temperatures and workplace heat-related incidents.

According to the International Labor Organization, excessive heat in workplace environments contributes to 18,970 deaths and 22.87 million occupational injuries each year. Key causes include radiant heat from machinery, high work intensity, dehydration, inadequate air quality, and insufficient temperature controls.

Key recommendations in AAFA’s heat stress guide

• The AAFA advises factories to set upper limits for workplace temperature.
• Adopt physical and operational measures to reduce the risk and frequency of heat stress in the workplace.
• Modify work intensity and schedule, as well as provide drinking water and rest breaks, in response to current temperature and heat levels.
• Set up training and health monitoring initiatives so that workers, management, and medical teams can recognise and prevent heat-related health issues.
• Create a regular dialogue between buyers and suppliers to collaboratively address and share accountability for heat stress and its effects during periods of extreme heat.
• Strengthen compliance with local and national regulations relating to workplace temperature, ventilation, humidity, and occupancy limits.

The AAFA created the guidance with representatives spanning retailers, brands, manufacturers, and material suppliers, as well as key industry stakeholders from academia, multi-stakeholder initiatives, international organisations, and NGOs.

The guidance is available to all industry participants for broad sharing of practices and will receive annual updates.

It builds on the organisation’s previous initiatives supporting fair labour policies within the global supply chain since 2024, specifically targeting protections against heat stress.

AAFA plans to regularly review the AAFA Guide to Protecting Workers from Heat Stress with the Heat Guidance Working Group to add new or revised information on heat-related illness, best practices, or international standards, ensuring the guidance remains current and accurate.