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The heat is on

Protecting worker health and safety from the impacts of climate change

This white paper explores the occupational safety and health risks created by climate change. From extreme temperatures and wildfires to floods and storm surges, there are a wide variety of risks. Doing nothing – or even doing a little – is simply not an option. People’s lives are at risk: we must act now.

Asian farmer picks tea leaves

2.41 billion workers

(71% of working population) exposed to excessive heat annually

3.8% of total working hours

could be lost to climate-related high temperatures by 2030

873 million workers

at risk of exposure to agrochemicals

Workers most at risk 

Agricultural workers, emergency responders, construction workers, commercial fishermen, transportation workers and other outdoor workers are clearly vulnerable. For these workers, hotter or more humid working conditions may be the most obvious and constant hazard. Nevertheless, exposure to additional hazards – wildfire smoke, agrochemicals or pollution – will create the need for additional controls and protections. 

It is not only outdoor workers who will be affected. Climate change will also impact indoor workers. For example, increased heat and air pollution may be hazards facing manufacturing or warehouse workers, especially where temperature controls or ventilation/extraction is limited.

Indeed, workers in less developed countries are at an increased risk because of inadequate workplace facilities. It is also expected that climate change will exacerbate existing gender inequalities. The World Health Organization recognises that climate-sensitive health risks are disproportionately felt by vulnerable groups, including women.

Our calls to action

  • Implement multilateral climate agreements.
  • Ensure national climate policies and agendas are in place that focus on managing the risks and, where necessary, adapting to them.
  • Develop and enforce climate-related safety regulations within existing labour and OSH laws.
  • Facilitate adaptation to the work-related impacts of climate change.
  • Include adaptation of climate health surveillance services and public health systems in national policies. 
  • Ensure policy coherence. For example, occupational health, public health and environmental health disciplines should be aligned in their approach to tackle climate and human health. 
  • Invest in the creation and evolution of research and knowledge around climate change and share it. 
  • Facilitate co-ordinated dialogue to understand the impact of the climate on work over time. 
  • Ensure risk mitigation and adaptation policies, practices and measures are in place to protect workers against climate-related risks. 
  • Have equivalent measures and targets for social impacts of climate change, as we do for science-based targets for environmental impacts. 
  • Embed occupational safety and health (OSH) policies, risk assessments awareness and training at all levels as a fundamental component of climate change strategies.
  • Contribute to and support the development and embedding of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
  • Assist businesses with their risk assessment processes, ensuring they consider climate-related risks as well as other occupational safety and health risks, and ensuring principles of prevention are applied.

Protect workers from climate change

We all have a role to play. Find out what you can do – and what measures some are already implementing.