World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated every year on April 28. This year, theInternational Labour Organization has decided to focus on the impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health. It is essential to understand how climate change directly affects our working lives and what measures we can take to protect ourselves. Climate change not only affects the environment, but also the safety and health of workers around the world.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Climate change is already having serious impacts on the health of the planet and people, and the world of work is no exception. Workers are often the first to face the effects of climate change, often working in extreme conditions and for long periods of time.
This can lead to worsening working conditions and an increased risk of injury, illness and, in extreme cases, death. The health effects are numerous, including injuries, cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, macular degeneration and mental health problems.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
The impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety are not evenly distributed. Workers most at risk include those working outdoors in sectors such as agriculture, construction and transport, as well as those working in hot and poorly ventilated indoor environments. In addition, pregnant women, children, older people, people with disabilities and workers in the informal economy are also at higher risk.
KEY EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. EXCESSIVE HEAT
Rising global temperatures may lead to more frequent and severe heat waves. This particularly affects outdoor workers in physically demanding jobs and those who work in poorly ventilated work environments.
Main health effects: heat stress, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, heat rash, cardiovascular disease, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, physical injury, and mental disorders.
2. ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
The depletion of the ozone layer affects the amount of solar ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth. Outdoor workers are exposed to dangerously high levels of solar radiation.
Main health effects: burns, eye damage, weakened immune system and various skin cancers.
3. EXTREME WEATHER PHENOMENA
An increase in the frequency, duration and intensity of extreme weather events such as heat waves, winter storms, tropical cyclones, droughts and floods is expected. Emergency workers, clean-up participants, farmers and fishermen are at high risk.
Main health effects: traumatic injuries, burns, respiratory tract injuries, diseases due to biological hazards, toxic effects of chemicals, physical and emotional fatigue, anxiety, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder.
4. AIR POLLUTION
Changing weather patterns have influenced levels of air pollutants, putting workers at risk.
Main health effects: cancer (lung), stroke, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and eye irritation.
5. VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES
Climate change has been linked to an increased risk of vector-borne diseases among workers, due to effects on vector population sizes, survival and reproduction rates, and broader impacts on natural ecosystems and human systems, for example, changes in land use due to droughts.
Main health effects: malaria, Lyme disease, dengue fever, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and African trypanosomiasis, among others.
6. AGROCHEMICAL PRODUCTS
Climate change is affecting pesticide use, with the loss of fertile soil and the emergence of new pests. Highly hazardous pesticides remain a concern, particularly for workers in agriculture, forestry, the chemical industry, pesticide sales, green space maintenance and vector control.
Main 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 THE FOCUS
Job insecurity due to climate change can cause anxiety, particularly in communities dependent on specific industries that will be more significantly affected. Workers in certain occupations, such as those involved in disaster relief and recovery, construction, agriculture, and healthcare, have been found to be at particular risk of climate change-related mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. The effects of climate change, such as excessive heat, can lead to sleep disturbances, behavioral changes, and decreased concentration, affecting workplace safety and productivity.
ACTIONS TO PROTECT WORKERS IN A CHANGING CLIMATE
Promoting, respecting and realizing the principle and fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment also involves addressing the hazardous impacts of climate change in the workplace. International labour standards and other instruments provide guidance to protect workers from various hazards and risks in the workplace, including those related to climate change.
It is essential that governments, employers and workers take protective measures in a changing climate. This includes promoting safe and healthy working environments, implementing national occupational safety and health policies and strategies, and strengthening research in critical areas.
CONCLUSIONS
- Climate change poses major challenges to the safety and health of workers worldwide.
- Many health problems are linked to climate change, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and mental disorders.
- Legislation may require reassessment of existing legislation or the adoption of new laws as climate risks evolve.
- It is crucial to integrate occupational safety and health into climate policies and to integrate climate concerns into OHS practices.
- There is a need to strengthen research due to the lack of available data in critical areas.
- Collaboration between governments and social partners is essential for climate change mitigation and adaptation policies.
- Vulnerable worker populations, such as those in agriculture and working outdoors in hot climates, may require additional protective measures.