How can climate change affect workers and how can organizations respond? This is analyzed by Estefanny Olmedo, Occupational Health Prevention Expert at Suara Cooperativa, on the occasion of International Workers' Day and World Day for Prevention and Occupational Health this week.
Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges of our time, and its effects extend to all aspects of life, including the workplace. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), 70% of workers worldwide are exposed to climate-related health risks. Excessive heat causes approximately 18,970 work-related deaths annually. Below, we explore how climate change is impacting occupational safety and what measures can be taken to mitigate these risks.
Therefore, this week, on April 28, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work took place and tomorrow we celebrate International Workers' Day, we want to emphasize the importance of companies ensuring labor rights, which can be violated with climate change, such as working in conditions that do not affect the health and lives of workers.
In this context, the increase in extreme temperatures and heat waves are increasingly frequent and intense, which represents a significant risk for workers, especially those who carry out tasks outdoors. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heatstroke, dehydration and other serious health problems. To mitigate excess heat, it is crucial to take regular breaks in shaded areas and drink water. Maintaining a body temperature around 37 °C is essential for the proper functioning of the human body.
Climate change is also increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods and storms. In Catalonia, the most visible consequences of climate change are alterations in the climate and ecosystems, which affect both the environment and workers.
These events not only endanger the lives of workers, but can also cause significant damage to work infrastructure, disrupting operations and putting safety at risk. It is important to maintain a good state of maintenance of the infrastructure of the facilities and implement emergency plans to be able to face these challenges.
Rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns can affect air quality, increasing the levels of pollutants and allergens. This can have a negative impact on the respiratory health of workers, especially those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma. It is essential to monitor air quality and provide adequate personal protective equipment when necessary.
Climate change is altering the habitats of many disease vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, which may lead to an increase in the incidence of vector-borne diseases, such as dengue, malaria and Lyme disease. Workers in affected areas should be informed about the risks and preventive measures, such as the use of repellents and protective clothing.
Climate change not only affects the physical health of workers, but also their mental well-being. Heat stress, combined with uncertainty and anxiety about extreme weather events, can increase psychosocial stress. It will be necessary to promote a work environment that promotes mental health, providing resources and support for workers.
In conclusion, climate change presents significant challenges for the prevention of occupational risks. However, it is possible to mitigate these risks and protect the health and safety of workers; through the implementation of adaptive policies, adequate training and information on the risks related to climate change and the preventive measures that must be taken, the improvement of infrastructure, and above all the establishment of action protocols in the face of emergencies arising from adverse weather conditions is essential when it comes to minimizing risks for workers and guaranteeing the continuity of the activity of caring for people.
Estefany Olmedo,
Prevention technique in Occupational Health of Suara Cooperativa
