Agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable, with over 870 million likely exposed to pesticides, leading to over 300,000 deaths attributed to pesticide poisoning annually.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) has revealed that over 70% of the global workforce, including over 2.4 billion workers, are exposed to hazardous conditions due to climate change, highlighting the perilous situation faced by workers worldwide. Manal Azzi, a senior specialist on occupational safety and health at the ILO, emphasized the dire consequences of climate-related health hazards, noting that workers are often overlooked in discussions about climate change impacts.
Azzi highlighted the severe health risks, ranging from cardiovascular diseases to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, all exacerbated by climate change-induced hazards.
The report delves into various climate-induced threats faced by workers globally, including excessive heat, UV radiation, air pollution, and extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. Azzi underscored the alarming increase in workers exposed to excessive heat, citing a 34.7 percent rise between 2000 and 2020. This surge has led to detrimental health effects, with millions suffering from illnesses and injuries related to heat exposure.
Disturbingly, the report reveals that approximately 22 million workers endure sicknesses and injuries due to excessive heat, while 26 million people live with chronic diseases caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Moreover, an estimated 20,000 workers succumb to heat-related injuries annually, with millions more experiencing disability adjusted years lost.
UV radiation poses another significant threat, with 1.6 billion workers exposed, resulting in nearly 19,000 work-related deaths from nonmelanoma skin cancer each year. Similarly, workplace air pollution affects 1.6 billion workers, contributing to up to 860,000 work-related deaths among outdoor workers annually.
Agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable, with over 870 million likely exposed to pesticides, leading to over 300,000 deaths attributed to pesticide poisoning annually. Additionally, exposure to parasitic and vector-borne diseases in the workplace claims 15,000 lives annually, highlighting the emerging health risks associated with climate change.
Azzi emphasized the urgent need for updated laws and regulations concerning Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) to address the escalating health hazards linked to climate change. However, she also stressed the importance of implementing common-sense measures to protect workers’ well-being, such as hydration and limiting work hours during extreme temperatures.
Balint Nafradi, an ILO technical officer, highlighted the shifting geographical patterns of heat-related concerns, with regions like northern and central Europe facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change. Additionally, Azzi reiterated the interconnected nature of climate-related hazards, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks effectively.
Looking ahead, the ILO emphasizes the critical role of collective bargaining in safeguarding workers’ rights and protections against workplace hazards. However, global action is imperative to address the unprecedented scale of climate-related impacts on workers’ health and safety.
As the world grapples with the escalating threats posed by climate change, protecting the well-being of workers must be prioritized. The ILO’s urgent call to action underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to enact policies and measures that safeguard workers from the ravages of climate change-induced health hazards.