Health researcher: "Classic 'be a man' is more likely to lead to disrespect for performance limits"

A health researcher has warned that traditional gender roles, such as urging men to "be a man," can lead individuals to ignore their physical limits during heatwaves, increasing the risk of errors and health issues. Julia Reiter, a researcher with the "Health in Society" research consortium at the University of Vienna, emphasized the need to officially recognize extreme heat as a public health emergency. Her comments come amid ongoing concerns over the impact of prolonged high temperatures on workers across various sectors. Reiter highlighted how sustained heatwaves affect human performance, noting that the longer the heat persists without recovery time, the more difficult it becomes to concentrate and work effectively. Workers become exhausted, less productive, and more prone to mistakes. This leads to increased conflicts due to heightened irritability. On construction sites, for example, summer months see a rise in accidents. Heat exposure at workplaces can indeed pose serious risks, according to Reiter. The nature of the job plays a crucial role. Making a mistake in writing might have fewer consequences compared to an error made by a doctor administering medication. She pointed out that workers in outdoor environments, especially those engaged in physically demanding tasks, face particular challenges. This includes delivery drivers who often step out of climate-controlled vehicles, leading to unexpected exposure to heat. Reiter noted that all industries where employees work outdoors and perform physical labor are affected. While delivery drivers might seem protected by their vehicles, they still frequently exit them, exposing themselves to heat. The situation worsens when work processes or workload prevent flexibility. For instance, in nursing care, few caregivers serve many patients, making days stressful and preventing necessary breaks despite the need for rest. Drinking enough water regularly is not always feasible for everyone. Delivery drivers, for example, may lack access to restrooms while on the move. She stressed that behavioral guidelines are ineffective without proper support structures. Food delivery workers receive warnings during hot weather to take precautions, seek shade, and take breaks. However, algorithms used by delivery platforms do not adjust to the heat, penalizing longer delivery times and reducing income for those who complete fewer deliveries. Despite these conditions, the principle of personal responsibility prevails: those who deliver less are penalized. Customers are not informed about potential delays caused by extreme heat, and some show little understanding, with negative reviews harming delivery workers. Reiter discussed the role of gender in this context, explaining that women's thermoregulation differs slightly. They tend to have higher body fat percentages and hormonal influences play a role. Overall, women experience greater strain from heat. Additional barriers exist, such as the absence of toilets, which can hinder women’s ability to manage their needs discreetly.