Stakeholders raise alarm over heat-related kidney risks among construction workers

Stakeholders in health, construction, occupational safety and labour have called for stronger awareness and workplace protection for outdoor construction workers exposed to extreme heat in Nigeria.

The call was made at the CoolKidneys Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, organised by the University of the West of England, Bristol, in collaboration with the Renal Health Initiative. The workshop, held in Lagos under the theme “CoolKidneys: Beat the Heat, Save Your Kidneys,” focused on understanding the impact of heat stress on kidney health among outdoor construction workers.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Faatihah Niyi-Odumosu, Associate Professor of Physical Activity and Health Promotion at the University of the West of England, Bristol, said the engagement was designed to bring together workers, employers, health professionals and policymakers to discuss practical ways to reduce heat-related health risks.

According to her, the goal of the workshop was not only to raise awareness, but to listen to the realities of those affected and develop solutions that can work within Nigeria’s construction sector.

Dr. Muzamil Hassan, Consultant Nephrologist at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, highlighted the link between prolonged heat exposure, dehydration and kidney strain. He noted that prevention must become a stronger part of public health conversations, especially for people whose work keeps them outdoors for long hours.

From the occupational safety perspective, Mr. Balogun Shittu Shitta, Health, Safety and Environment Head, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Bagco BU, said heat stress should be treated as a serious workplace safety issue. He noted that access to drinking water, shaded rest areas, proper work scheduling and regular sensitisation can help reduce risks for workers.

The workshop also captured the lived experience of outdoor workers. Oni Samuel Adewale, an artisan and bricklayer, spoke about the realities of working under the sun and the need for more awareness among artisans and construction workers.

Participants discussed key barriers such as misinformation, low awareness, limited workplace support and policy gaps. They also explored practical adaptation pathways, including worker education, hydration practices, site-level health checks and stronger collaboration among government, employers, health experts and labour representatives.

The event ended with a call for continued engagement and community-informed solutions to protect outdoor workers from the health impact of extreme heat.

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