World Day for Safety and Health at Work; Sunday 28 April 2024
Article contributed by Celeste Strauss – SHE Principal Consultant (On-site SHE practitioner)
In 2024, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Day theme explores and further debates the ‘impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health‘.
As climate change intensifies, workers around the globe find themselves at an increased risk of exposure, knowingly or unknowingly, to increasingly more hazards such as excessive heat, ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather events, air pollution, vector-borne diseases, and agrochemicals.
Remember how climate change began?
Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which has changed the earth’s climate. Natural processes, such as changes in the sun’s energy and volcanic eruptions, also affect the earth’s climate. We’ve been hearing for decades on how our activities has been changing the earth’s climate, not once thinking that our actions will eventually in fact come back to harm us even more so.
Some climate change hazards can range from industry activities such as Industrial, Aviation, Chemical, Mining and Emergency Services causing increased heat stress, extreme weather, hazardous chemicals, vector-borne diseases, air pollution, water supply, food scarcity and major industrial accidents. (ILO Research report, reference 3)
Climate change effects can lead to a deterioration of working conditions and an increased risk of occupational injury, disease, and death (Kiefer et al. 2016). Examples of health impacts range from heatstroke, heavy seating, digestive problems, skin rashes, fatigue, zoonotic infections, cardiovascular disease, headaches, chemical poisoning, immune dysfunction, exhaustion, sleeplessness, asthma, kidney disease, fainting, cancer, respiratory conditions, injuries.
Workers are often the first to be exposed to the effects of climate change, for longer durations and at greater intensities. They are also frequently exposed to conditions that the public can choose to avoid (Kiefer et al. 2016). Numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illnesses (Figure 2). Mental health will also be impacted (Charlson et al. 2021).
But what can we do?
Climate change is already having a profound impact on planetary health, human health, and our work. Climate change mitigation measures, such as the decarbonization of the energy sector, electrification of transport and the promotion of sustainable agriculture, have the potential to limit the effects of climate change, whilst bringing net employment benefits. However, despite these measures, climate-change-related events will continue to take place. The implementation of adaptation measures to protect the current and future labour force is therefore a matter of urgency.
Integrate climate change issues as a component of OSH policy and practice. Adaptation measures should be integrated into policies, programmes, and risk assessments at all levels, using an OSH management systems approach, based on the ILO Guidelines on occupational safety and health management systems (ILO–OSH 2001).
Develop occupational exposure limits (OELs) for proxy measures of climate change. For example, some countries have already adopted specific regulations to protect workers from heat exposure and ensuing heat stress. These include maximum temperatures to which workers may be exposed. There are currently no harmonized international standards for work in hot environments or other adverse weather conditions.
Mainstream gender into OSH policy and practice. This should be done specifically in relation to climate change concerns. For example, some workplace consequences of climate change may impact the health of pregnant women more seriously.
Health impacts that can be linked to climate change should be reviewed in medical and health surveillance, and operational control measures should include assessment for, and elimination of, climate change hazards.
Carry out effective labour inspection services. Inspectors should be provided with the means, qualifications, and training to fulfil their duties, especially how they relate to emerging risks due to climate change.
The world of work faces new and emerging challenges from climate change, with workers in numerous industries impacted. Action is needed to protect the health of workers and the planet, whilst maintaining a resilient global economy, employment opportunities and decent work for all.
Shangoni’s HSE Management Solutions
In line with our commitment to excellence in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management, Shangoni Management Services (Shangoni) remains steadfast in providing comprehensive consulting services to diverse industries, as we have done for over 15 years. Our specialised team excels in crafting and upholding HSE management systems that adhere to international best practices, including ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, and ISO 31000 for risk management.
We are dedicated to empowering businesses with resilient strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of climate change while prioritising the well-being of workers and the sustainability of our planet.
References
- https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/events-training/events-meetings/safeday2024/lang–en/index.htm
- https://www.britannica.com/science/climate-change/Abrupt-climate-changes-in-Earth-history
- International Labour Organization 2023, First published 2023: Available at: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_dialogue/—lab_admin/documents/publication/wcms_887111.pdf
- Kiefer M., Rodríguez-Guzmán J., Watson J., Van Wendel De Joode B., Mergler D., and Soares Da Silva A. 2016. Worker Health and Safety and Climate Change in the Americas: Issues and Research Needs. Revista Panamericana de Salud Publica/Pan American Journal of Public Health 40 (3): 192–97
- Chemicals Convention (No. 170) and Recommendation (No. 177), 1990.
- Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention (No. 174) and Recommendation (No. 181), 1993.
