- Report highlights the impacts of climate change on Occupational safety and health (OSH).
- Impact of Climate change on OSH
- Climate-related threats:
- Every year, 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are attributable to excessive heat alone.
- Some workers, such as agricultural workers and other outdoor workers carrying out heavy labour in hot climates, are particularly at higher risk.
- Numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction mental health conditions etc.
- Vulnerable sections:
- Women workers may be at increased risk due to their job roles, such as in subsistence agriculture.
- Workers with a disability are particularly vulnerable due to poverty and lower educational attainment.
- India Related findings: An estimated 100,000 farmers committed suicides between 1993 and 2003, for reasons such as water shortages and decreased crop yields.
- Climate-related threats:
- Existing international labor standards related to climate change and OSH
- Climate-related OSH Hazards: The Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 198, Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006, etc.
- Excessive Heat: Plantations Convention, 1958, Ambient factors in the workforce, etc.
- Air pollution: Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise, and Vibration) Convention, 1977.
Recommendations
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