Discussion of climate change has become louder and more prevalent over the last few years. The conversation increasingly permeates our lives and people are becoming more and more aware of the effects of human-driven climate change as they see the impact on their day to day lives. However, one aspect that is less a part of the public conversation is how climate change affects occupational safety and health.

While the direct impact of extreme weather events and increased temperatures on physical infrastructure is well-documented and widely understood, the broader implications for employee health and safety are often overlooked.

28th April marks the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The theme of this year’s event is the impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health. In addition to producing educational and promotional materials for the day, including a data-rich report, the ILO will host a global event with experts and guest speakers from governments and businesses to discuss how to protect workers and respond to this global challenge.

A recent report by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) warned that as global temperatures continue to rise, heatwaves could cause up to 10,000 excess deaths a year in the UK. The cross-party committee of MPs also cautioned that work-related injuries are likely to spike and has recommended the government forms a national heat resilience plan. Many employers are already conscious of the current impact of climate change and the potential for this to be compounded in future, and are taking steps to both mitigate the risks and reduce their own impact.

In this blog post, we look at the connection between climate and occupational safety and health, examining how changes in temperature, precipitation patterns and extreme weather events can influence employee health, productivity and safety.

How does climate change affect occupational health?

Climate change is already having a significant impact on human health and workers are frequently the first to be exposed to its effects - often for longer periods and at greater intensities. The effects of climate change can lead to an increased risk of occupational injury, disease and death. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can cause heat stress, increased risk of accidents, and exposure to environmental hazards.

For outdoor workers such as construction workers, agricultural workers, and utility workers, extreme heat and sun exposure pose a significant risk to health and safety. In particular, heat-related illnesses can occur when the body's ability to regulate temperature is overwhelmed by environmental conditions. This is because exposure to heat raises the blood pressure and heart rate, so the body must work harder to maintain its core temperature at around 37°C. This puts pressure on the nervous, renal, respiratory, and vascular systems, and can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Rising temperatures can also exacerbate existing health conditions, such as respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems. Poor air quality and humidity, which are often associated with higher temperatures, can worsen respiratory conditions and increase the risk of asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments. Statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in September 2023 suggest the total number of UK heat-related deaths in 2022 exceeded 4,500, while over 70,000 people are believed to have died due to extreme heat across Europe in 2022.

Indoor workers, such as those working in manufacturing, are not immune to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures inside can lead to the same health concerns, as well as causing productivity to decrease. The impacts of heat are not just limited to physical health. The EAC’s report cites the University of Oxford’s Dr Laurence Wainwright on the troubling effects of hot weather on mental health and wellbeing. These can include the exacerbation of symptoms or worsening of side-effects from prescribed medication, particularly for the 16% of people in the UK who live with a mental health illness. Shockingly, Dr Wainwright also gave evidence that the risk of suicide was twice as high in the UK when the temperature was 32°C in comparison to 22°C.

What is the scope of climate change impact on occupational safety?

The effects of climate change are far-reaching and multifaceted, with implications for both indoor and outdoor work environments. A warming climate heightens the risk of a multitude of additional health and safety threats, including flooding, drought, wildfires, storms, air quality degradation and infectious diseases.

These events can disrupt supply chains, damage infrastructure and pose immediate risks to employee safety. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, workers may be exposed to hazardous conditions, such as contaminated water, unstable buildings, and electrical hazards. Emergency responders and recovery workers are particularly vulnerable to these dangers, as they often work in hazardous environments to restore essential services and infrastructure. This can affect those working in transportation, logistics, and utilities as well as those in the emergency services. The UK Health Security Agency reported in its Health Effects of Climate Change paper in December 2023 that up to 10,000 UK deaths per year could occur due to extreme heat by the 2050s.

In addition to the effects of increased temperatures, other key issues related to climate change could negatively impact on occupation safety and health. For example, the thinning of the ozone layer means more solar UV radiation is reaching earth. This results in outdoor workers unknowingly facing dangerously high levels of sun exposure, causing sunburn, eye damage, weakened immunity and skin cancer.

Climate change has also been linked with an increased risk of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, dengue, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and African trypanosomiasis. And though a more indirect risk, the use of pesticides is increasing due to climate change (thanks to the loss of fertile soil, pest occurrence, crop characteristics etc.) and the agrochemicals used can be a major concern for those exposed to them. Poisoning, cardiovascular disease, cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and immune suppression are all risks for those working alongside such substances, for example in agriculture, forestry, renewables and chemical industries.

What can employers do to mitigate climate-related health risks?

Given the potential impact of climate change on workplace health and safety, employers have a crucial role to play in mitigating these risks.

Implementing targeted risk assessments and safety protocols can help identify and address the potential hazards associated with changing climate conditions. This may involve providing additional training and personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing heat illness prevention programs, and establishing emergency response plans for extreme weather events.

Many employers are already investing in adaptations to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as improving ventilation and providing access to cool drinking water. Education and training programs can help raise awareness among employees about the risks associated with climate change and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their colleagues.

In addition to protecting employee health and safety, addressing climate-related risks in the workplace can have broader benefits for business. As part of the EAC report, Dr Wainwright cited evidence that dehydration, poor sleep and a decline in cognitive function were strongly linked to heat, and can cost the UK economy £60bn a year, the equivalent of 1.5% to 2% of GDP. By proactively managing these risks, employers can reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and enhance their reputation as responsible corporate citizens. Moreover, investing in climate resilience measures can help businesses adapt to changing environmental conditions and future-proof their operations against potential disruptions.

Conclusion

Climate change poses significant challenges to occupational safety and health, with potential implications for employee wellbeing, productivity, and business sustainability.

Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and changing environmental conditions can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, accidents, and exposure to hazardous conditions. However, by implementing proactive measures to identify and mitigate climate-related risks, employers can protect their employees and enhance the resilience of their businesses.

Addressing the impact of climate change on workplace health and safety requires collaboration and advocacy across sectors. Governments, businesses, and civil society must work together to develop policies and practices that promote climate resilience and sustainability. Businesses should continue to demonstrate leadership by implementing innovative initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of climate change on their operations and supply chains.

As we continue to confront the challenges of climate change and global warming, it is essential to prioritise the health and safety of workers and build a more sustainable future for generations to come. By recognising the link between climate change and occupational safety and health, all stakeholders can take meaningful steps to address these risks and create safer and more productive workplaces.