” The report, Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, says that climate change is already having a serious impact on the safety and health of workers in all regions of the world. The ILO estimates that more than 2.4 billion workers (out of a global workforce of 3.4 billion) are likely to be exposed to excessive heat at some point during their work, according to the most recent figures available (2020). When calculated as a share of the global workforce, the proportion has increased from 65.5 per cent to 70.9 per cent since 2000….”
A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that more than 70% of the world’s workers are likely to face health hazards due to climate change. The report highlights a range of serious health consequences, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction, and mental health conditions.
According to the report, over 2.4 billion workers globally are expected to be exposed to excessive heat at some point during their work, leading to significant health risks. Additionally, around 18,970 lives are lost annually due to occupational injuries related to excessive heat, with millions suffering from chronic kidney disease attributed to workplace heat stress.
The impact of climate change on workers extends beyond heat exposure, encompassing a “cocktail of hazards” that result in various dangerous health conditions. For instance, millions of workers face risks such as UV radiation exposure, workplace air pollution, pesticide exposure in agriculture, and parasitic and vector-borne diseases.
Manal Azzi, OSH Team Lead at the ILO, emphasizes the urgent need to integrate occupational safety and health considerations into climate change responses. The report calls for robust measures, including legislative reforms, regulations, and improved climate mitigation strategies in workplaces, to ensure the safety and well-being of workers in the face of climate change challenges. #ILOReport #ClimateChange #HealthHazards #WorkplaceSafety #GlobalWorkforce.
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