GENEVA - Long working hours led to 745,000 deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease in 2016 - a 29% rise since 2000, according to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization.
The study, published in Environment International today, found that between 2000 and 2016, the number of deaths from heart disease due to working long hours increased by 42%, and from stroke by 19%.
With the pandemic causing a huge shift in work patterns, the “number of people working long hours is increasing, and currently stands at 9% of the total population globally”, the study revealed. This trend puts “even more people at risk of work-related disability and early death”.
“Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard,” said Dr Maria Neira, director of environment, climate change and health at the WHO. “It’s time that we all, governments, employers, and employees wake up to the fact that long working hours can lead to premature death.”
