World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated on April 28th each year, and this year, the International Labour Organization has chosen to focus on the impact of climate change on workplace safety and health. Understanding how climate change directly affects our work lives and what measures we can take to protect ourselves is crucial. Climate change not only impacts the environment but also the safety and health of workers worldwide.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND WORKPLACE HEALTH
Climate change is already having serious implications for the health of the planet and its people, and the world of work is no exception. Workers are usually the first to face its effects, often under extreme conditions and for prolonged periods.
This can lead to deteriorating working conditions and increased risk of injuries, illnesses, and, in extreme cases, death. The health effects are numerous, including injuries, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, macular degeneration, and mental health problems.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
The effects of climate change on health and safety at work are not evenly distributed. Workers most exposed include those who work outdoors in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and transportation, as well as those who work in hot and poorly ventilated indoor environments. Additionally, pregnant women, children, older adults, people with disabilities, and workers in the informal economy are also at greater risk.
KEY EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WORKERS’ HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. EXCESSIVE HEAT
Global temperature rise can lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves. This particularly affects outdoor workers in physically demanding jobs and those in poorly ventilated workplaces.
Primary health effects: Heat stress, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, heat rash, cardiovascular illness, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, physical injury, and mental health conditions.
2. ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
The ozone layer depletion affects the amount of solar ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth. Outdoor workers are exposed to dangerously high levels of solar radiation.
Primary health effects: Burns, eye damage, weakened immunity, and various skin cancers.
3. EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
An increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, winter storms, tropical cyclones, droughts, and floods is expected. Emergency responders, cleanup workers, farmers, and fishermen are at high risk.
Primary health effects: Traumatic injuries, burns, respiratory tract injuries, diseases from biological hazards, toxic effects of chemicals, physical and emotional fatigue, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
4. AIR POLLUTION
Weather patterns have influenced air pollutant levels, exposing workers to risks.
Primary health effects: Cancer (lung), stroke, respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, and eye irritation.
5. VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES
Climate change has been linked to an increased risk of vector-borne diseases in workers through effects on vector population size, survival rates, and reproduction, and broader implications for natural ecosystems and human systems, e.g., changes in land use due to droughts.
Primary health effects: Malaria, Lyme disease, dengue fever, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and African trypanosomiasis, among others.
6. AGROCHEMICALS
Climate change affects the use of pesticides, with the loss of fertile soil and the emergence of new pests. Highly hazardous pesticides remain a concern, especially for agricultural workers, forestry workers, chemical industries, pesticide sales, green space maintenance, and vector control.
Primary health effects: Poisoning, cancer, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, endocrine disruption, and immunosuppression, among others.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN FOCUS
Job insecurity due to climate change can cause distress, especially in communities reliant on specific industries that will be significantly affected. Workers in certain professions have been observed to be particularly vulnerable.
Individuals working in disaster relief and recovery operations, construction, agriculture, and healthcare are at special risk of experiencing mental health issues due to climate change, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. The effects of climate change, such as excessive heat, can lead to sleep disorders, behavioral changes, and decreased concentration, impacting work safety and labor productivity.
ACTIONS TO PROTECT WORKERS
Promoting, respecting, and realizing the fundamental principle and right of a safe and healthy work environment also entails addressing the hazardous effects of climate change in the workplace. International labor standards and other instruments guide protecting workers against various hazards and risks in the workplace, including those related to climate change.
Governments, employers, and workers must take protective measures in a changing climate. This includes promoting safe and healthy work environments, implementing national policies and strategies for occupational safety and health, as well as strengthening research in critical areas.
CONCLUSIONS
- Climate change poses significant challenges for the safety and health of workers worldwide.
- Numerous health issues are linked to climate change, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and mental disorders.
- Legislation may require reevaluation of existing laws or enactment of new legislation as climate risks evolve.
- It is crucial to incorporate OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) into climate policies and integrate climate concerns into OSH practices.
- There is a need to strengthen research due to the scarcity of data available in critical areas.
- Collaboration between governments and social partners is vital for climate change mitigation and adaptation policies.
- Vulnerable worker populations, such as those in agriculture and outdoor work in warm climates, may require additional protective measures.