Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022
Worker health and safety in a changing climate

Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022
Worker health and safety in a changing climate

Worker health and safety ,changing climate

Scientific reports on the advance of climate change signal ‘code red for humanity’ according to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The threats to the health and well-being of workers mirror those faced by the population at large, but with important differences. In some sectors, such as maintenance of utilities and emergency services, exposures to climate hazards are not discretionary. Those paid by piece work may be forced, under extreme conditions, to risk personal well-being in order to protect incomes. Given their long-term connections with land and place, farmers are especially susceptible to mental health issues caused by environmental degradation. Workers will also be affected in particular ways by steps taken to prevent climate change: closure of industries that rely on fossil fuels will expose millions of workers to transitions and disruptions that may have significant effects on health, if poorly managed. The future is challenging. It is projected the intensity and frequency of heat waves and floods and storms will increase. The structure of human mortality is changing as heat-related causes of mortality and morbidity prevail over conditions that are cold-
related. Compounding exposures, such as the conjunction of climate instability and the COVID-19 pandemic, will multiply. In these circumstances it will be necessary to radically strengthen measures to protect health and safety at work.

Alistair Woodward

Elsevier Korea LLC

January 2022

Sri Wahyuni

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Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022