UN Report: Climate Change Threatens Global Workforce Health and Safety

2024-07-03

A new United Nations report has warned about the extent of the damage that climate change could have on the global workforce. Climate change isn’t just about rising temperatures and extreme weather events; it’s also impacting the health and safety of workers worldwide. 

Global Wake-Up Call

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Microgen

On Monday, the United Nations (UN) released a new global report titled “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate.” The report paints a picture of the upcoming challenges the world faces should climate change’s course not be corrected – and it’s not looking great.

70% of Workers at Risk Due to Climate Change

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dusan Petkovic

The main takeaway is that 70% of workers around the world are likely to face climate-change-related health risks, with more than 2.4 billion people predicted to feel the negative effects of over-exposure to excessive heat on the job. 

Heat-Related Risks

Image Credit: Shutterstock / BearFotos

People who work outside – farmers, those in other agricultural roles, and laborers, all face increased risks – especially if they live in hot countries. 

Climate Impact on Economy

Image Credit: Shutterstock / kuvona

Most people and industries are already seeing the effects of extreme weather and extreme heat – take for example the price of a coffee or a bar of candy.

Hidden Costs

Image Credit: Shutterstock / aleks333

These are all increasing in price due to extreme weather making cocoa and coffee bean crops fail. Coffee bean prices hit a new high this month due to a lack of supply, as did cocoa beans.

Linking Climate Change to Severe Illnesses in Workers

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

The report underlines the strong evidence linking climate change to a range of health conditions. It’s causing serious health problems like cancer, heart disease, breathing issues, kidney problems, and mental health struggles for workers.

Deadly Heat

Image Credit: Shutterstock / New Africa

One big concern is the heat. Every year, millions of workers suffer injuries or even die because of excessive heat.

Millions of Workers at Risk 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / pingpongcha_photo

It’s estimated that over 22 million injuries, almost 19,000 deaths, and millions of lost life years are due to heat alone in workplaces.

Workplace Hazards

Image Credit: Shutterstock / myboys.me

Other issues highlighted in the report include pesticide poisoning, air pollution at work, getting sick from too much sun, and diseases spread by bugs. These are all things that can make workers very sick or even lead to death.

Protective Measures

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov

To deal with these dangers, some countries have made new rules to protect workers from extreme heat at work. 

Creating Rules to Safeguard Workers from Heat

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zerbor

These rules set limits on how hot it can be in workplaces and create guidelines on what employers should do to keep workers safe. 

Continuous Review

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Freedomz

However, these laws need constant reviewing and updating as new hazards stemming from climate change arise. 

Governments, Businesses and Employees Working Together

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Salivanchuk Semen

One of the big things the report emphasizes is the need for conversations between governments, businesses, and workers. 

Crucial Conversations

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Salivanchuk Semen

These talks are crucial to making sure the rules in place are practical and help keep us safe while we work.

How Workplaces Can Combat Climate Change

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sorn340 Studio Images

The report also mentions that workplaces can play a role in fighting climate change. For example, making buildings more energy-efficient not only helps the environment but also makes for healthier workplaces.

Research Needs

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

Despite these efforts, there are still challenges. One big challenge mentioned in the report is that we need more research to understand all the ways climate change affects workers. 

Green Technology Risks

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mr. Kosal

Plus, as we move toward greener technologies, we need to be careful about new risks. Some of these technologies, like solar panels and batteries, can have chemicals that are harmful to workers if not handled correctly.

Worker Fatalities

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicole Glass Photography

There is still a lot of work to be done to protect workers from all the dangers that come with climate change. According to the Department of Labor, exposure to environmental heat has killed 999 U.S. workers over the last 20 years. 

Future Challenges

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PaeGAG

With rising heat levels across the globe, there’s a worry that these numbers may begin to escalate – hence the need for a comprehensive re-education on how to combat the hazards climate change poses to workers.

Weathering the Storm

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hafiz Johari

As these extreme weather events become more frequent, prioritizing worker safety and well-being will be crucial to weathering the storm.

23 Steep Taxes Adding to California Residents’ Burden

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alex Millauer

California: a place of sunshine, innovation, and, unfortunately, some of the nation’s highest taxes. From LA’s beaches to Silicon Valley’s tech hubs, residents grapple with a maze of state taxes. Here’s a glance at 23 taxes that might surprise both Californians and outsiders. 23 Steep Taxes Adding to California Residents’ Burden

Cash in on Nostalgia: 21 Toys Now Worth a Fortune

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kostikova Natalia

Time to dust off the boxes and find that once-cherished toy from your childhood. For collectors and enthusiasts, they items have become valued objects and they can be worth big bucks – are there any of these in your attic? Cash in on Nostalgia: 21 Toys Now Worth a Fortune

Millennials Don’t Buy These 19 Products Anymore

Image Credit: Shutterstock / mariakray

Millennials are changing consumer habits, quietly replacing once-staple products and traditions. Often criticized for their disruptive preferences, this generation is reshaping the marketplace with digital expertise, ethical buying, and a taste for the unconventional. Millennials Don’t Buy These 19 Products Anymore

The post UN Report: Climate Change Threatens Global Workforce Health and Safety first appeared on Thrift My Life. 

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock /.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.