Climate Change Hazards Threaten the Health of the Majority of the Global Workforce

A staggering 70% of the global workforce is at risk due to climate hazards, a recent report from the UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO) reveals. The findings show a sharp increase from two decades ago when 65.5% of workers faced similar risks. Today, more than 2.4 billion people are directly affected by Climate change-related health hazards.

Source: Al Jazeera English/YouTube

The ILO report highlights the broad spectrum of occupational dangers exacerbated by climate change, particularly heat stress, which is linked to nearly 19,000 annual deaths worldwide. The report notes a significant rise in occupational injuries, chronic kidney disease, and other serious health conditions due to extreme temperatures.

Beyond heat exposure, workers also face threats from UV radiation and workplace air pollution. Annually, UV exposure results in nearly 19,000 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer. Additionally, air Pollution impacts 1.6 billion people, contributing to up to 860,000 deaths among outdoor workers.

The agricultural sector faces its unique challenges, with 870 million workers exposed to hazardous pesticides, leading to 300,000 deaths each year. Furthermore, 15,000 deaths annually are attributed to parasitic and vector-borne diseases among exposed workers.

The report underlines the urgent need for incorporating occupational safety and health considerations into climate response strategies. Following severe climate incidents, several European nations are implementing protective measures for workers. For instance, after fatalities during heatwaves, Spain and Greece have enacted regulations restricting outdoor work during extreme heat, and trade unions are advocating for paid leave during hazardous temperature spikes.

This urgent call to action stresses the importance of safeguarding workers against the escalating threats posed by a changing climate, highlighting a critical intersection of labor safety and environmental policy.

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