How climate change is impacting occupational health and safety: 5 alarming truths

As we approach World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28^th April, this year, the International Labour Organisation’s annual report highlights the urgent need to address the intersection of climate change and workplace safety as it becomes increasingly evident in today’s world¹.

Climate change isn't just a distant threat; it's a present reality reshaping the landscapes of our workplaces and posing significant risks to the health and safety of workers worldwide. From extreme heat waves to deteriorating air quality, the effects of climate change are reshaping the very environments in which we work, demanding attention, adaptation, and action.

In this article, NFP’s Director of Health and Safety, Jonathan Williams, delves into five alarming truths that highlight the profound impact of climate change on health and safety in the workplace, uncovering these truths to better understand the challenges we face and exploring potential solutions to mitigate their effects.

1. Extreme heat and heat-related illnesses

2023 was confirmed as the hottest year on record, driven by human-caused climate change and boosted by the natural El Niño weather event². In the UK, heatwaves are becoming longer and more extreme³, leading to an increased risk of heat-related illness amongst the population.

Extreme heat particularly affects elderly people, children and babies, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions. Illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat syncope (fainting) can be particularly dangerous and can affect anyone if they are unable to cool down or become dehydrated.

Employers have a responsibility to keep workplace temperatures at a comfortable level for their employees to keep them cool and safe during periods of extreme heat. There are practical steps you can take to ensure this, such as:

• Providing fans, air conditioning and adequate ventilation where possible
• Encouraging frequent hydration by offering cold water stations
• Adjusting work schedules where possible to avoid working during the hottest part of the day
• Adjusting uniforms or personal protective equipment (PPE) where possible - if it’s safe to do so - so that clothing is more lightweight and breathable
• Training to recognise the signs of heat-related illness and having first aiders on-site to provide support in the event of an incident

2. Pollution and air quality degradation

Climate change intensifies air pollution in various ways, including the increased risk of wildfires, dust storms, and rising levels of ground-level ozone. These events release harmful substances like dust, smoke, and chemicals into the air, compromising air quality and posing significant health risks to workers, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections. Fine particulate matter and ozone, in particular, can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation, irritation, and long-term respiratory damage.

Certain industries are particularly vulnerable to air pollution-related health issues. Outdoor workers, including agricultural labourers, construction workers, and utility maintenance crews, are at heightened risk due to prolonged exposure to polluted air. Additionally, workers in manufacturing facilities, where emissions from industrial processes contribute to localised air pollution, face increased respiratory health hazards. These workers often lack adequate protection and may experience higher rates of respiratory illnesses as a result.

Addressing air quality degradation in the workplace requires proactive measures such as implementing engineering controls, providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, and optimising ventilation systems to minimise exposure to pollutants.

3. Increased risk of natural disasters and workplace safety

Severe weather occurrences such as floods, wildfires, storms, and heatwaves are increasingly endangering both employees and businesses. This risk is now particularly pronounced in the UK, where historically, such events were uncommon until recent years. As a result, the nation may not be as adequately prepared as others to handle these emergent challenges, lacking certain infrastructures and prevention strategies.

Despite this, 48% of all UK businesses reported being impacted by the effects of climate change in 2022-2023, with 52% of those reporting that their ability to do business was impacted by extreme weather events⁴, highlighting just how widespread the issue is.

Natural disasters can often result in physical damage to workplaces, infrastructure, and equipment, compromising employee safety. The displacement of workers and disruptions to transportation networks make it challenging for employees to commute to work safely. Evacuation orders and road closures can hinder access to workplaces, while damaged infrastructure may impede emergency response efforts.

To address these challenges, all businesses should implement a robust emergency preparedness plan⁵. Conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, invest in infrastructure upgrades, and ensure your business operations are appropriately insured to enhance your workplace resilience to extreme weather events.

Employers should also provide comprehensive training and resources to employees to raise awareness about climate-related risks and empower them to respond effectively during emergencies.

4. Vector-borne diseases

Climate change is not only altering weather patterns but also influencing the prevalence and distribution of vector-borne diseases, posing new occupational health risks for workers.

As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift, the habitats of disease-carrying ‘vectors’ - living organisms that can transmit infectious pathogens between humans, or from animals to humans - such as mosquitoes, ticks, and rodents, are expanding into new regions. This expansion increases the likelihood of workers encountering these vectors in their workplace environments.

Industries specialising in predominantly outdoor work can be at increased risk of contracting Lyme disease from tick bites or the West Nile virus from mosquito bites, for example. Employees travelling abroad for work can be at even greater risk and should be encouraged to receive appropriate vaccinations where possible.

If operating in high-risk environments, employers should:

• conduct risk assessments to identify high-risk areas
• employ vector control measures like repellents and treated clothing
• train workers on disease recognition and prevention

5. Mental health impacts and psychological stress

The effects of climate change will also undeniably have a profound impact on the mental well-being of our population, particularly the younger generation whom it will most affect. A 10-nation survey found that 84% of people ages 16 to 25 were at least moderately worried about climate change⁶, and nearly half (45%) said their feelings about climate change negatively affected their daily lives.

The relentless onslaught of extreme weather events can cause significant emotional distress and trauma for individuals directly affected. Moreover, the anticipation of future climate-related disasters and uncertainty about their severity and frequency (eco-anxiety) can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and fear among workers.

Employers should prioritise the psychological well-being of their workers and foster a supportive work environment by implementing measures to reduce workplace stressors, provide access to mental health resources and support services, promote work-life balance, and encourage open communication about climate-related concerns.