Protecting your workforce

Climate change is not a future threat, it’s here and affecting every aspect of our lives – and workplaces are no exception. Recent months have shown us exactly how serious the situation is. From heatwaves scorching London’s streets to floods disrupting industries across the UK and Europe.  

Last year alone, a series of extreme weather events cost the UK billions and threatened worker safety across the country. The European Environment Agency’s recent warning¹ underscores the urgent need for better preparedness. It’s no longer a question of “if” but “how” we respond.

To mitigate these risks, it is crucial that we anticipate and prepare for the necessary adaptations. A climate change risk assessment (CCRA) is a systematic process designed to evaluate the probability and potential impact of risks and vulnerabilities linked to climate change.

This involves examining both current and projected climate conditions and potential hazards and assessing their possible effects on cities and communities. The ultimate objective of a climate change risk assessment is to create strategies to manage or mitigate these risks.

Growing impact of climate change on OSH

Think about it: when the temperature rises above 30°C, workers in construction, agriculture or even hospitality face serious health risks. It’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a real danger. Heat stress, dehydration and heat stroke are becoming more common in workplaces that aren’t designed to handle such extremes. And it's not just outdoor workers who are vulnerable. Those in poorly ventilated indoor spaces, like factories or kitchens, are equally at risk.

Climate change is also re-shaping the nature of other workplace hazards. As temperatures rise, air pollution worsens, increasing the likelihood of respiratory problems. Severe storms and flooding damage infrastructure and disrupt operations, leaving both workers and businesses in dangerous situations.

Who’s in charge?

For businesses, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) plays a pivotal role in overseeing workplace safety, including emerging climate-related risks.

At a broader level, the European Union’s Climate Adaptation Strategy offers comprehensive guidance to businesses across Europe. Over in the US, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is also taking steps to ensure that companies have climate risk plans in place.

Hazards that businesses cannot ignore

Schulte and Chun, prominent researchers in occupational safety and health, published a key study in 2016² outlining how climate change impacts workplace hazards and offering a framework that identifies critical risks.

The risks are numerous, but here are the top five that businesses cannot afford to ignore.

1. Rising temperatures: increasing heat means higher risks of heat stress, dehydration and heat stroke for workers in construction, agriculture and even manufacturing.
2. Air quality issues: higher temperatures mean more pollutants in the air, particularly ozone. This puts workers – especially those with respiratory conditions – at significant risk.
3. Extreme weather events: flooding, storms and wildfires are becoming more common. This doesn’t just cause physical damage; it disrupts business operations and creates unsafe working environments.
4. Disease transmission: warmer temperatures are increasing the range of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes and ticks, which pose new health risks, particularly in outdoor occupations.
5. Mental health strain: the uncertainty and increased stress brought on by unpredictable weather patterns are impacting worker mental health, often leading to anxiety, burnout and reduced productivity.

Addressing the climate change risks

Addressing these climate-related hazards requires a proactive approach. Businesses must conduct thorough climate change risk assessments to understand the specific challenges their workers face. Heat management strategies, such as providing cooling breaks and hydration stations, should be mandatory in high-risk areas.

Employers should also focus on improving ventilation in indoor environments to reduce the risk of heat and air pollution exposure. Emergency preparedness plans for floods, wildfires and extreme storms need to be regularly updated and practised.

Using technology to mitigate risks

Technology is a powerful ally in mitigating climate change risks, such as AI-powered systems can predict extreme weather events. Another example is risk assessment software that can help collect and analyse data from multiple sources, offering real-time monitoring of weather conditions and environmental risks.

For example, drones and sensors can monitor air quality and provide early warnings when pollution levels become dangerous. These technologies allow businesses to stay ahead of the risks, helping them protect workers and maintain operational continuity.

Act now to protect your people and future

The intensifying climate risks pose significant challenges for businesses. By following established guidelines, investing in resilience, and leveraging technology, businesses can protect their employees and safeguard their operations. Proactive climate change risk assessments are no longer optional – they are a necessity in ensuring long-term sustainability.

References

1. European Environment Agency, Europe is not prepared for rapidly growing climate risks
2. ResearchGate, Advancing the framework for considering the effects of climate change on worker safety and health