The impact of climate change on worker health and safety is a concerning issue highlighted by the Workers’ Compensation Report, revealing that over 70% of the global workforce may face excessive heat exposure during their careers. This exposure is not limited to just solar UV rays but also includes risks from air pollution, pesticides, and other environmental hazards that can lead to various health problems, including cancer.
Recognizing the importance of promoting health and safety at work, the International Labor Organization (ILO) has outlined recommendations for governments to enhance their legislation and address the escalating effects of climate change on workers. Manal Azzi, leading the ILO’s occupational safety and health team, emphasizes the adverse impact of these conditions on workers’ well-being, citing over 22 million workers suffering from diseases and injuries due to excessive heat.
Recent data from 2020 indicates that more than 2.4 billion workers, constituting over 70% of the global workforce, are at risk of experiencing excessive heat at their workplaces, a number that has been steadily rising since 2000. The ILO points to the growing connection between climate change and health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, and mental health concerns.
The report underscores the vulnerability of certain worker groups, like firefighters in the United States combating increasingly severe wildfires fueled by climate change-induced high temperatures and dry conditions. Several countries have taken legislative steps to mandate regular monitoring of workers exposed to heat, high sun exposure, air pollution, and other health risks.
Moreover, the ILO highlights the positive impact of collective bargaining agreements between workers and employers in mitigating these risks. With UN agencies and environmental activists emphasizing the link between climate change and human health, urgent actions are required to address the amplified health hazards faced by workers globally. Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all necessitates proactive measures to mitigate these risks.
Please find additional relevant links on the subject matter below:
– Excess Heat and Climate Change Pose Health Hazards for Global Workers – Africanews