World Health and Safety Day was initiated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2003 and takes place annually on 28 April. The international awareness day aims to promote safe, healthy, and sustainable working environments for all workers around the world. It achieves this by encouraging organisations, governments, and individuals to come together to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to take action to protect workers from harm.
Each year, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work has a specific theme that focuses on a particular aspect of occupational safety and health. The theme for 2024 is about exploring the impacts of climate change on safety and health.
Some examples of changes particularly exacerbated by climate change that would affect safety and health in the workplace could include:
- Excessive heat – Heat stress, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash etc.
- UV radiation – Sunburn, eye damage, skin cancers.
- Extreme weather events – Traumatic injury, burns, respiratory tract injury, physical and emotional fatigue, anxiety, stress and PTSD.
- Air pollution – Cancer (lung), stroke, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and eye irritation.
- Vector borne diseases – Malaria, Lyme disease, dengue, schistosomiasis etc.
- Increased exposure to chemicals – Poisoning, cancer, neurotoxicity among others.
The impact of climate change: Workers particularly at risk:
According to The ILO, these workers are particularly vulnerable:
- Outdoor workers in physically demanding sectors, such as agriculture, construction and transportation.
- Indoor workers in hot and poorly-ventilated environments.
- Workers in emergency services, health care sector and other public services.
- Pregnant women, children, older adults and persons with disabilities.
- Workers in the informal economy, migrants and those in micro- and small-sized enterprises.
Climate change and mental health
Climate change is increasingly recognised as a significant contributor to mental health challenges, impacting various industries and individuals worldwide.
- Job insecurity due to climate change can cause distress, especially in communities reliant on specific industries.
- Specific occupations like those in disaster relief and recovery, construction, agriculture, and healthcare are at risk for mental health issues such as PTSD, depression and anxiety.
- Climate change impacts, such as excessive heat, can lead to sleeping disorders, behavioural changes, and decreased concentration, impacting work safety and productivity.
As we observe World Health and Safety Day in 2024, it’s evident that the theme highlighting the impacts of climate change on safety and health highlights the urgency for collaborative action. By recognising the heightened risks faced by vulnerable workers and implementing proactive measures to mitigate these risks, we can strive towards creating safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces for all.
