More than 70% of the global workforce faces potential health hazards linked to climate change. Existing occupational safety and health (OSH) protections are struggling to keep pace with these escalating risks, according to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO.
Entitled ” Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate ,” the report underscores the profound impact of climate change on workers’ safety and health across all regions. Climate-related hazards are already taking a toll, exacerbating risks in workplaces worldwide.
EXCESSIVE HEAT EXPOSURE: A GROWING CONCERN
The ILO estimates that over 2.4 billion workers, representing 70.9% of the global workforce, are likely to encounter excessive heat during their work. This staggering figure marks a significant increase from 65.5% in 2000, underscoring the escalating threat posed by rising temperatures.
HUMAN TOLL OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES DUE TO HEAT STRESS
Each year, approximately 18,970 lives are lost, and 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years are compromised due to occupational injuries attributable to excessive heat. Moreover, an estimated 26.2 million individuals worldwide suffer from chronic kidney disease linked to workplace heat stress, highlighting the grave consequences of climate-related health hazards.
BEYOND EXCESSIVE HEAT: A COMPLEX ARRAY OF RISKS
Climate change presents a “cocktail of hazards,” extending far beyond excessive heat exposure. The report emphasizes that workers face a myriad of dangerous health conditions resulting from climate-induced factors, further exacerbating occupational risks.
URGENT NEED FOR ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES
With climate change intensifying and its impact on worker health becoming increasingly apparent, the ILO stresses the critical importance of bolstering occupational safety and health measures. Proactive strategies and interventions are imperative to safeguarding the well-being of workers amidst evolving environmental challenges.
ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE-WORKFORCE HEALTH NEXUS
As climate change continues to pose unprecedented threats to global workforce health, concerted efforts are needed to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. By prioritizing robust safety and health initiatives, stakeholders can pave the way towards a safer, healthier future for workers worldwide.
The report notes that numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions. The impact includes:
- 1.6 billion workers exposed to UV radiation, with more than 18,960 work-related deaths annually from nonmelanoma skin cancer.
- 1.6 billion likely to be exposed to workplace air pollution, resulting in up to 860,000 work-related deaths among outdoor workers annually.
- Over 870 million workers in agriculture, likely to be exposed to pesticides, with more than 300,000 deaths attributed to pesticide poisoning annually.
- 15,000 work-related deaths every year due to exposure to parasitic and vector-borne diseases.
“It’s clear that climate change is already creating significant additional health hazards for workers,” said Manal Azzi, OSH Team Lead at the ILO. “It is essential that we heed these warnings. Occupational safety and health considerations must be become part of our climate change responses – both policies and actions. Working in safe and healthy environments is recognized as one of the ILO’s fundamental principles and rights at work. We must deliver on that commitment in relation to climate change, just as in every other aspect of work.”
