National Health Report on the June Heat Wave: Let’s Remain Vigilant

cp-bilan-canicule-280717.pdf

Published on 28 July 2017

A heat wave triggering yellow and orange alert levels under the National Heat Wave Plan occurred in mainland France between June 17 and 25, 2017.This heat wave occurred early in the season and was geographically widespread, affecting, at its peak, nearly 87% of the metropolitan population—more than 56 million people.

Epidemiological data collected by Santé Publique France show a health impact that resulted in:

numerous healthcare visits for heat-related conditions: 3,062 emergency room visits and 1,460 consultations with SOS Médecins.
an increase in mortality indicators at the national level: during the heat wave (week 25), a 6% increase across all age groups was observed, representing an estimated excess of 580 deaths, particularly affecting those aged 15–64 (13%, or an estimated excess of 215 deaths), and several deaths—suspected to be heat-related—were reported at people’s workplaces. It should be noted that there was no significant excess mortality among those aged 65 and older.

Beyond the preventive measures implemented for the elderly and vulnerable populations, the specific findings highlighted above regarding the health impacts observed during this early heatwave underscore the importance of strengthening prevention in the workplace.

The Directorate General for Health, the Directorate General for Labor, and Santé publique France wish to reiterate the recommendations applicable to the general population and to workers.

In particular, it is important to emphasize the need to avoid physical exertion during heat waves, during the hottest hours of the day, for all age groups.

Regarding measures for workers, it is reiterated that employers are required to take steps to ensure the safety and protect the health of workers in their facilities (adjusting work schedules, limiting or postponing activities likely to have a harmful effect on workers’ health: carrying heavy loads, exposure to the sun during the hottest hours, etc.).

The Regional Directorates for the Economy, Competition, and Consumer Affairs, Labor, and Employment (DIRECCTE) urge companies to adapt their work arrangements in anticipation of extreme heat and, in this context,

they are informing and raising awareness among professional organizations and companies about the risks and preventive measures;
they are mobilizing occupational health services and labor inspectors who can intervene directly in the workplace.